A new UK website, launched today, has a subtly (and I think importantly) different “spin” on online security.

The site is www.e-victims.org, where the emphasis is not so much on offering up-front security advice (for that, the UK-oriented site I’d recommend is www.getsafeonline.org), and not on reporting incidents to the police (who probably don’t have the capability to investigate anyway), but on offering practical down-to-earth advice on your rights and your next steps in complaining or getting recompense.

In many cases, you’re in trouble — pay for a cheap camera from China using Western Union or a debit card, and you’re going to have to chalk it up to experience. However, if you order from a UK company with your credit card and the goods arrive damaged then this is the site for you [contact the seller, not the courier company to deal with the damage; the Sale of Goods Act means that what you receive must be of satisfactory quality; and if you spent between 100 and 30000 pounds then the Consumer Credit Act means that the credit card company should reimburse you].

The site has launched with content for e-shopping victims (no Virginia, not that sort of victim) — and over the coming year will add more topics (phishing is specifically mentioned). If the site continues to give clear and down-to-earth advice as to whether or not you’ll be able to do anything about your problem, and if so what, then it will serve a very useful purpose indeed. Bookmark it for when you need it!

ObDisclaimer: The site is run by people I’ve known for decades, and I was so enthusiastic that I’ve been asked onto their Advisory Council. So you’d expect me to be enthusiastic here as well!