Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is urging consumers in Nueva Ecija to exercise caution when shopping online, citing a surge in complaints related to online transactions.
DTI Nueva Ecija Provincial Director Richard Simangan revealed that a significant majority of consumer complaints received by the agency during the third quarter of the year were linked to online purchases, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of the total. While all complaints have been resolved, the DTI is emphasizing the importance of preventative measures to protect consumers from fraudulent online sellers.
Simangan advised consumers to verify the legitimacy of online sellers by checking if the business is registered with the DTI. He encouraged consumers to request proof of registration or to verify the business name through the DTI Business Name Registration System. If a business cannot be verified, consumers are advised to reconsider the transaction, regardless of how appealing the products may seem.
Simangan also highlighted the risks associated with online shopping, urging buyers to thoroughly review customer feedback and product ratings before making a purchase. He further suggested using the cash-on-delivery option when unsure about a seller’s legitimacy, as this allows consumers to inspect the product before paying and helps mitigate potential payment issues.
“We must take all precautions because once you have made the payment, it will be difficult to get our money back,” he stressed.
DTI cited Republic Act No. 7394, also known as the Consumer Act of the Philippines, as the primary law that protects consumers against deceptive, misleading, and unfair sales practices in physical and online transactions.
For complaints related to online shopping or other consumer concerns, the public may report directly to the DTI Nueva Ecija Provincial Office located at CAL Building, Brgy. Dimasalang, Cabanatuan City, or visit the Negosyo Centers in their respective areas.
Reports can also be sent through the DTI Nueva Ecija Facebook page, by phone at (044) 334-4245, or via email at [email protected]. (CLJD/MAECR, PIA Region 3-Nueva Ecija)
