ILOILO – Long, drawn-out lockdowns have made people realize that online shopping is convenient, even a necessity.
Be very careful though; online scammers have proliferated, warned Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) member Roland Distura. They’re lurking even in legitimate online stores.
“Ako biktima man. Nagbakal ako sa Lazada sang isa ka tool and then pag-deliver sa akon lain na ang brand,” Distura told Panay News.
He first revealed this incident in a privilege speech entitled “Scammed Online” on Tuesday.
According to Distura, online sellers send the purchased items through couriers. However, couriers do not allow buyers to inspect what’s inside the parcel, he explained.
“Nag-order ako COD (cash on delivery). Ginbilinan ko staff ko nga buksan pero indi magpasugot ang courier kay siling niya bayran gid anay antes buksan. So, wala choice kundi bayad and then ginbaton. Pagtan-aw ko sang unit pagpuli ko – to my dismay – lain na ang brand,” Distura said.
These unfortunate experiences, according to Distura, could have been well avoided if buyers are given a reasonable opportunity to inspect the goods before signing for them as received.
To be enlightened of this “no inspection” policy imposed by personnel of courier companies is incumbent, the board member pointed out.
On Wednesday, Distura brought up this concern to the SP’s committee on economic affairs and investment chaired by Provincial Board member Jason Gonzales.
The committee is set to invite courier service providers in the city and province for a hearing.
While not naming these courier firms, Distura said he intends to also invite to the hearing officials of the Department of Trade and Industry.
He is also willing to craft a request to the Congress to revisit the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act should investigations reveal the need to amend to the existing law.
“Tan-awon ta kon ano pa gid puede ma-provide nga safety nets sa aton consumers,” Distura said./PN
