Stay vigilant when shopping online: DTI

MANILA -- Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Teodoro Pascua has reminded consumers to stay vigilant when shopping online.

Pascua encouraged consumers to check red flags of fraudulent online stores and phishing sites that may hack personal information of consumers.

“We cannot deny the fact that technology created a more advanced environment where consumers now take part in digital transactions,” he said.

“So we encourage the buying public to be wiser and more alert in order not be taken advantage of by unscrupulous online sellers,” added Pascua.

The DTI released safety tips when purchasing on online stores, which include the following:

-- always check the website if it has a Secured Socket Layer (SSL) Certificate. This protects information (such as credit card number, addresses, and password) sent to the website;

-- take note of the lock icon in the address bar to confirm legitimacy of the website;

check the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) at the beginning of the website;

-- when providing your personal address, make sure that the URL starts with “https://” and

-- check for reviews posted by customers

DTI noted that it is best to choose “Cash on Delivery (COD)” as mode of payment for the buyers not to share bank details online.

The agency also warned consumers to beware of fake websites and trying to access personal

data. Consumers should also look for documents such as DTI registration, Securities and Exchange Commission registration, BIR registration, business permit, sales invoice or official receipt, and Food and Drug Administration license of the establishment.

Among the red flags of a fraud online store include websites starting with “http://” instead of “https://”; requiring to submit personal information; and asking for immediate deposit before sending the products.