The Department of Trade and Industry has warned internet users in Palawan to be careful in purchasing products online, noting they have been receiving an increasing number of complaints from the public against certain online retailers.
In a statement, DTI Palawan said the complaints they have been receiving typically involved sellers who failed to deliver items purchased fro them online, or the delivery of wrong items.
DTI noted that online commerce in social media platforms has increased dramatically in the country, with an estimated market of 60 million active social media users.
The agency urged consumers who have experienced problems transacting businesses online file formal complaints with their office consistent with the Consumer Rights Act of the Philippines.
DTI advised consumers to also be aware of ways to identify if an online business is registered with them or if it is using security socket layer (SSL) for secured credit card payments.
“Secured ang website ng isang online shop kung ang URL nito ay nagsisimula sa https://www at hindi lamang dyan. Para matiyak na lehitimo ang online shop, bisitahin ang opisina nito o tawagan ang nakalistang numero sa telepono,” said the statement.
It said buyers should only provide needed information to avoid hackers, use passwords that are hard to be guessed and avoid using birth dates or address.
DTI Palawan also noted that many online sellers advertise their products in a manner that raises increased expectations from consumers.
“Basahin nang mabuti ang terms and conditions and payment methods bago kumpirmahin ang transakyon. Huwag kalimutang mag-log-out pagkatapos ng transakyon upang hindi magamit ng mga tiwali ang inyong impormasyon,” as noted.
