PH trade department warns ‘online’ shoppers on frauds, risks

MALAYBALAY City, Bukidnon--As the country keeps October as Consumers Welfare Month, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), once again, warned the buying public to be more cautious when shopping ‘online’ to avoid illegal transactions in the Internet.

DTI-Bukidnon Provincial Director Ermedio J. Abang said ‘online shopping’ gives consumers a fast and convenient way in buying goods and services.

“However, the advent of modern technology—especially information communications technology on web and the consequent commercialization—has swelled online shopping fraud,” he said.

DTI urged consumers to check the reputation of online sellers such as the physical address or location where they can be reached; their DTI or Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) business registration; and Mayor’s Permit.

Earlier, the Department of Justice (DOJ) similarly warned consumers against online fraud.

Citing DOJ advisory, DTI said the applicable law for sellers not registered with DTI or SEC is article 315 (Swindling or Estafa) of the Revised Penal Code.

Hence, DTI said online shoppers must take necessary precautions to protect themselves against frauds and scams, misleading or deceptive product advertisements, difficulty in returns and replacements, unexpected custom dues, transaction costs and surcharges, chaotic delivery procedures, privacy breaches, and abuse of user information. (EAT, CTIDS-DTI /RLRB, PIA-Bukidnon)