Budol Alert: Cayetano in Action with Boy Abunda (CIA with BA) guides you to spot scams and avoid fraud
In an era dominated by digital commerce, fraudulent schemes proliferate, demanding heightened vigilance from consumers. Online platforms, while convenient, are rife with deceptive practices, necessitating a discerning approach to every transaction. “CIA with BA” underscores the urgency of cultivating savvy consumer habits and asserting our rights in the face of escalating scams.
Personal anecdotes vividly illustrate the prevalence of online deception. Ricca, a member of the Mariteam, recounted her disappointing experience with an online purchase, receiving a poor-quality fleece blanket that shed excessively. “Naghihimulmol siya. So nag-file ako ng report [pero] walang response sa ‘kin ‘yung seller. [Ngayon], naka-pending ‘yung transaction ko ng refund,” she explained, highlighting the frustration of unresponsive sellers. Similarly, Manilyn’s experience with a misrepresented burger order, where the delivered product drastically differed from the advertised image, underscores the commonality of such scams.
To safeguard against these fraudulent activities, consumers should adopt the following proactive measures:
- Verify Seller Legitimacy: Prioritize checking seller ratings, customer reviews, and feedback to assess their reliability before making any purchase.
- Thoroughly Review Product Details and Policies: Carefully scrutinize product descriptions, return/refund policies, and seller terms to ensure transparency and avoid misunderstandings.
- Utilize Secure Payment Platforms: Opt for payment methods that provide buyer protection, minimizing the risk of financial loss in case of disputes.
- Maintain Transaction Records: Document all aspects of the transaction, including screenshots of product listings, order confirmations, and seller communications, to serve as evidence.
- Report Fraudulent Activities: If a seller is unresponsive or engages in deceptive practices, escalate the complaint to the e-commerce platform or the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Consumer Protection Division.
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and legal experts emphasize that such incidents fall under the purview of the Consumer Act of the Philippines. “Ito ‘yung batas na nagpoprotekta sa mga mamimili, whether online or sa mga palengke or supermarket. ‘Yan ang pinaka-major na batas natin para dyan,” Atty. Mark Devoma stated, highlighting the Act’s role in protecting consumer rights. Atty. Devoma further explained that these cases exemplify deceptive sales practices, which are prohibited under the law. “Prohibited syempre na linlangin mo, in-advertise mo, in-embellish mo too much to the point na medyo nade-defraud na ‘yung mga umorder non, so deceptive na ‘yon,” he clarified. The program advocates for the enhanced enforcement of the Consumer Act to provide stronger protection for consumers, particularly in the burgeoning realm of online transactions.
“CIA with BA,” continuing the legacy of the late Senator Rene Cayetano, airs every Sunday at 11:00 p.m. on GMA7, with replays on GTV the following Saturday at 10:30 p.m.
