Even copies are often sold at high prices, so you cannot assume based on price alone that it is an original. In addition, you risk that the picture presented on the website shows an original while the goods you receive are a copy. In these cases we are talking about real fraud, and it can be difficult to guard against them. Great caution should be exercised, particularly on Internet auctions.
When shopping on the Internet most types of goods are subject to a minimum cancellation right of seven weekdays from the day of your receipt of goods. However, this only applies if you are trading with a trader. If you are buying from a private individual, you have no cancellation right.
You should always pay by credit card when shopping on the Internet. This will give you the best protection if, for example, the goods do not arrive. See more in the section ”If you have been cheated”.
It is a good idea to pay attention to the place from which the goods are shipped. If they are shipped from a country outside the EU you risk having to pay customs duty and VAT. You also risk confiscation of the goods by the customs authorities, see the section ”Is buying and using a counterfeit product illegal?”. Normally you will assume that the goods are sent from the seller’s home country unless otherwise agreed. Thus, if, for example, you are trading with a British seller, the goods will be shipped from Britain unless otherwise agreed. If it subsequently turns out that the goods were shipped from, for example China, and it involves you in additional expense you may complain to the seller and claim subsequent cover of the extra expenses.