DAGUPAN CITY — The Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) office here has urged consumers to be very cautious when shopping and transacting online using social media to avoid fraud and scams.
Marjury Lorezco, chief trade and industry specialist of DTI-Pangasinan, said in an interview Friday that consumers must exercise their right to information for their safety and so they could make better choices.
“Before buying the product online, one should check or verify if the website is secured and valid before clicking or accepting the offer. Consumers are encouraged also to compare the offered products online to nearby business establishments selling the same product to validate its price and quality,” she said.
Lorezco added that her office encourages paying online transactions through cash on delivery (COD) to ensure that the goods bought by the consumer are delivered in good condition.
“Consumers doing online shopping should read and take note of the terms and conditions given by the online seller,” she said.
Lorezco noted that these rules apply even to consumers buying products in physical stores.
“The rights to information and better choices are the most underrated rights of consumers. We all must read labels and the warranty’s terms and conditions since the best way to protect our rights as consumers is to be informed,” she said.
DTI-Pangasinan celebrates Consumers Welfare Month this October with the theme, “Making Digital Marketplaces Fairer”, which it kicked off with a fun-run in La Union province.
Lorezco said DTI-Pangasinan conducts seminars and fora to strengthen consumers’ awareness of their rights.
“Aside from seminars and fora, we will also recognize our Bagwis Awardees. These are business establishments that complied with the requirements of excellence of upholding the rights of consumers while practicing responsible business,” she said.
In Pangasinan, eight establishments will be presented the Gold Bagwis Awards (highest excellence award) this year, she said. (Hilda Austria/PNA)
