Taking action against online scams
THE International Consumers body, Consumers International commissioned a research report into online scams this year titled “Social media scams: Understanding the consumer experience to create a safer digital world”. The report details aspects of online scams that consumers should recognise and what they can do to stay safe.
The Consumer Council of Fiji has been publishing excerpts from the report over the past two weeks with this final article detailing some of the difficulties of addressing online scams. Taking action over online scams
Swift and effective action against online scams is essential to minimising consumer detriment. Around the world, consumer protection agencies and consumers themselves are working to tackle some of the complex challenges posed by online scams.
One of these challenges is getting social media websites to commit to tackling the issue.
Social media platforms often claim that they are neutral intermediaries in an ecosystem created by their users, thereby denying responsibility for content.
There is however, a growing pressure on platforms to tackle fraudulent, illegal and harmful content.
But this is complicated by the cross-border nature of social media scams.
Platforms are bound by the law in the country that they are based, but online scams take place across national borders where national laws vary.
Research by Consumers International shows that because platform terms and conditions are seldom tailored to other regions in which companies operate, they have far-reaching implications for cross-border consumer protection.
For example, in US law most big platforms are protected by “safe harbour” provision which gives online platforms legal immunity from most of the content posted by their users.
This means they are not liable for the actual content posted by third party users.
Consumers International also gathered evidence that indicates consumers are turning to each other for more information on online scams.
This is because consumers tend to be confused about social media scams and where to turn to for a trusted mediator.
Social media users around the world also appeal to a number of organisations to verify situations.
They go to the brand impersonated by the scam, the platform it occurred on and the wider social media community to find clarity.
Consumer organisations, different brand owners as well as private sector tech companies also play key roles in educating consumers.
They identify social media scam trends that are being used by scammers to dupe consumers and inform consumers. How to avoid falling prey to online scams?
An informed consumer is an empowered consumer and it is important that the following is considered to avoid becoming victims of online scams.
Do your research and be informed - before you give out information or pay money to traders you meet on social media; you should do as much research as possible.
■ Check for online reviews
■ Pose a question to your followers and friends if they have dealt with the online trader before.
■ If you can't find relevant information, it is best to consider withholding your business.
Check the branding - Some scammers will pose as reputable brands to get money from consumers.
To avoid these scammers, you should:
■ Check the social media posts for branding inconsistencies.
■ Check if the correct logo is being used
■ Check if the brand name is spelled correctly.
If you are directed to the website, look for clues - scammers may try to direct social media users to a website where they can then purchase items. This is a scam. Consumers should ensure to first check the legitimacy of the website.
■ Check the URL of the website carefully. This is important because scammers will create copies of familiar websites.
■ Look closely to make sure the business name is correctly spelled and that there aren't any extra characters.
■ Consider the language used. Does it sound like it was written by English speakers? Do you see foreign characters or symbols? Are there broken links throughout the site? If there are, you should immediately be suspicious.
Consumers can avoid online scams by simply choosing to be more informed.
For any queries consumers are urged to contact the Council on toll free helpline 155 or email complaints@consumersfiji.org.