Online shopping scams have emerged as a growing concern, especially on popular social media platforms, as highlighted by the Consumer Council of Fiji. Chief Executive Seema Shandil revealed that in 2023, more than 100 complaints have been lodged, with close to half related to incidents where consumers did not receive their purchases despite having made payments.
Shandil noted that while some issues stem from product delays or misrepresentations, a troubling 44 cases resulted in complete financial loss due to fraudulent activities. Social media venues like Facebook Marketplace, TikTok, and Instagram boutiques have been identified as prominent venues for these scams.
“The rapid viral nature of these platforms, coupled with the trend of impulse buying, often leads to inadequate vetting procedures,” Shandil remarked. This situation places new e-commerce shoppers at heightened risk, as they are frequently lured by trending items, only to encounter extensive delays, counterfeit goods, or sellers who disappear without a trace.
Direct transactions through private messages are prevalent in these scenarios, and unlike established e-commerce platforms, they lack sufficient oversight. Shandil also pointed out that common scams include fake fashion and jewelry stores that take payments without delivering authentic products, as well as romance scams that ultimately request monetary support.
In response to this alarming trend, the Consumer Council of Fiji is emphasizing the importance of vigilance among shoppers. They recommend consumers thoroughly verify sellers and avoid making payments through insecure or untraceable methods to reduce the risk associated with online shopping. By fostering awareness and exercising caution, consumers can better protect themselves against these widespread scams while navigating the ever-evolving online retail landscape.