Recently, the Beijing Consumer Association released four major tips to avoid scams when shopping online. Check these out!

Before shopping: Be cautious in your choices to avoid being misled

Consumers should choose large e-commerce platforms with complete business qualifications and well-developed after-sales services, and avoid transactions through unknown links, pop-up ads, or private social media accounts. Stay vigilant against "phishing websites".

Also, be wary of "tactics" such as "fictitious original prices" and "false discounts". Consumers can use price comparison tools to check historical prices to avoid being misled by "false discounts". Please be cautious when seeing marketing phrases like "recommended by social media influencers" or "limited-time flash sales" to avoid impulse buying.

Additionally, it is better to choose products that support "seven-day unconditional refund", and pay attention to key information on the products' detail pages, such as specifications, materials, expiration, and after-sales service terms. It is also advised to check buyers' comments, with focuses on neutral feedback, negative feedback, and follow-up reviews, and be alert to the false reputation created by "fake reviews and inflated ratings".

While shopping: Make secure payments and keep receipts and other "evidence"

Consumers should be alert to the risks in their payment process and choose official payment tools of the shopping platforms. Transactions should be completed entirely through the platforms, and private transfers or QR code payments should be avoided. Do not trust requests for refunds via "customer service" phone calls or transactions through WeChat.

Carefully examine every payment page to avoid inadvertently enabling "Password-Free Payment" or "Installment Payment". When activating a new payment method, please read the instructions carefully to avoid hidden fees.

For high-value goods, it is advised to save screenshots of product pages, chat records, order details, payment receipts, and logistics information. Request and keep your receipts or electronic transaction documents properly for protecting your related rights later.

After receiving goods: Inspect goods in a timely manner and make good use of after-sales services

Check the appearance, quantity, and functionality of the goods before signing for them. If there is damage or the goods do not match the order, you can refuse the delivery at once and take photos as evidence. For any high-value, fragile, or perishable goods, it is recommended to film a video of their unboxing process.

Familiarize yourself with the platform's "seven-day unconditional refund" policy and the warranty period for the purchased goods, and promptly apply for their return, replacement, or repair. Be cautious particularly when participating in sales activities such as incentivized positive feedback and QR code scanning cashback, which may involve creating "fake reviews and inflated ratings". Only authorize App when necessary, and be cautious when filling out sensitive information such as ID number and bank card details to avoid personal information leakage.

Dispute resolution: Safeguard your rights in accordance with the law and solve the problems efficiently

When encountering consumption disputes, you can protect your rights according to relevant regulations.

The ways to safeguard your rights include negotiating with the stores involved, requesting the platform to intervene, filing complaints, and pursuing legal actions. First, initiate a complaint through the platform's customer services, requesting the store concerned to fulfill its obligation to replace goods or compensate; if the negotiation fails, you can request the shopping platform to intervene; if the platform fails to handle your request properly, you can file a complaint with the local consumer association or any other relevant regulatory authority; if the amount involved is large or the situation is serious, you can file a lawsuit at a local people's court.

In addition, if you encounter serious infringements such as false advertising or counterfeit goods, you should promptly retain the evidence and report it to the market regulatory authority in charge.

Beijing Consumer Association's Complaint Hotline: 010-96315

(Source: Beijing Daily)