The Department of Justice of Justice has issued guidelines for online shopping to protect the public against Internet shopping fraud.
In a 15-page advisory released on Wednesday and available at the department’s Web site (www.doj.gov.ph), the DOJ’s Office of Cybercrime informs consumers of the proper steps to protect themselves in electronic commerce.
“Consumers should exercise due diligence before purchasing online,” according to the advisory.
According to the DOJ-OOC, online buyers must “know more about the seller and the product or service and the payment mode. This includes background check and to guard against fly-by-night operators.”
It also reminded the public “to be careful in sharing personal information and to educate themselves on various forms of online fraud.”
“Consumers should also know their rights and report online fraud to government authorities,” the advisory stressed.
The DOJ’s cybercrime office also listed “red flags” to enable the public to spot suspicious transactions.
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said they issued the advisory to outline remedies for victims of online fraud given the increasing use of online transactions.
“As citizens enjoy the convenience and choice in online shopping platforms, fraud and abuses are happening. These include false advertising and sale of counterfeit goods as forms of deceptive sales practices,” De Lima added.
“Existing laws to protect consumers apply with equal force to the internet,” she pointed out.