Online shopping scams are increasingly becoming a significant threat, particularly on social media platforms, according to the Consumer Council of Fiji. Chief Executive Seema Shandil has reported that over 100 complaints have been made this year, with nearly half of these concerning scams where consumers did not receive items despite making payments.
Shandil elaborated that although some complaints pertain to delays or misrepresentations of products, 44 cases resulted in total financial loss due to fraud. Platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, TikTok, and Instagram boutiques have emerged as major avenues for these deceptive practices.
“The rapid viral nature of these platforms combined with the emphasis on impulse purchasing often outpaces proper vetting processes,” Shandil explained, highlighting that new entrants to e-commerce are particularly vulnerable to scams. Consumers are often enticed by trending products, only to face issues such as prolonged delays, counterfeit merchandise, or sellers who vanish without a trace.
Direct transactions through direct messages are common, lacking the oversight that more established e-commerce sites have. Shandil pointed out that typical scams include fake fashion and jewelry boutiques that accept payments yet fail to deliver genuine products, not to mention romance scams that ultimately lead to requests for money.
In light of this alarming trend, the Consumer Council is urging vigilance among consumers. They advise verifying sellers more rigorously and refraining from making payments through unsecured or untraceable channels to mitigate the risks associated with online shopping. With increased awareness and caution, consumers can better protect themselves from these pervasive scams while navigating the evolving landscape of online retail.