DOJ: Beware – Shop with Care

The Department of Justice (DOJ)—Office of Cybercrime (OOC) issued today an Advisory on the increasing use of online transactions, and to outline remedies for victims of online fraud.

“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,” said Secretary of Justice Leila M. De Lima. “Existing laws to protect consumers apply with equal force to the internet,” she said.

In a 15-page Advisory dated 29 April 2015, the DOJ warned the public of online frauds and provided a list of “Do’s and Don’ts” for buyers/consumers for the proper steps to protect themselves in e-commerce. The DOJ also noted “red flags” to spot suspicious transactions. To promote the protection of consumers, the DOJ also encouraged consumers to exercise their rights and seek redress from relevant government agencies.

Assistant Secretary Geronimo L. Sy, head of the OOC, said that “the internet is being abused by fraudsters in many ways that are both similar and different from the physical market. One of the priorities of the cybercrime office is to safeguard online commerce and legitimate businesses.”

The highlights are as follows:

1. Consumers should exercise due diligence before purchasing online and 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.

2. Consumers should know their rights and report online fraud to government authorities.

3. The public should be careful in sharing personal information and should educate themselves on various forms of online fraud.

A copy of the Advisory can be downloaded in the link here.