Series of online shopping awareness sessions launched

The Malta Communications Authority, the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority, and the European Consumer Centre in Malta have launched a series of free information sessions on online shopping for the public. The aim of these sessions is to inform consumers about online shopping, to help make them aware of their rights, and to inform them on how to spot dangerous websites, among others.

Parliamentary Secretary for Consumer Protection and Valletta 2018 Deo Debattista noted how consumers needed to be well-informed about the digital market and how they could benefit from it. “This is why more emphasis should be made on educating consumers on their rights and obligations to ensure that the they get the best possible experience while shopping online. The information sessions are aimed at giving all this information to Maltese consumers, so that they can enjoy all the benefits of online shopping without the risk,” Debattista said.

Parliamentary Secretary for Financial Services, Digital Economy and Innovation Silvio Schembri emphasised the importance of customers being more aware of the services offered when buying online. Schembri referred to a study carried out two years ago by the Malta Communications Authority, which had shown that 78% of the online users were digital buyers, while some customers expressed their concerns about buying online because they were not able to see the product beforehand or due to a lack of information on how one should buy online. “Therefore, the initiative between the Malta Communications Authority and the Malta Competition and Consumers Affair Authority is ideal in order to inform consumers of their rights and obligations when buying online,” said Schembri.

Each two-hour session will be be addressed by trained professionals. Those interested can register by calling 2125 5495.