In today’s digital age, where not everything online is as it seems, “CIA with BA” has issued a timely reminder for consumers to stay vigilant and know their rights to avoid falling victim to scams. Ricca from the “Mariteam” shared her disappointing experience of ordering a fleece blanket online, only to find it shedding and of poor quality.
Despite filing a report, the seller remained unresponsive, leaving her refund request pending. Similarly, Manilyn recounted ordering a burger that looked packed with ingredients in the photo but arrived far from what was advertised. These cases, as explained by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and legal expert Atty. Mark Devoma, fall under the Consumer Act of the Philippines, a law designed to protect consumers whether they shop online, in markets, or in supermarkets. Atty. Devoma emphasized that such incidents are clear examples of deceptive sales practices, where products are overly embellished or misrepresented to the point of defrauding buyers.
To safeguard against fraudulent transactions, consumers are advised to verify the seller’s legitimacy by checking ratings and reviews, carefully read product details and seller policies, use secure payment methods with buyer protection, document all transaction details, and report issues to the e-commerce platform or the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) if sellers are unresponsive.
The program also highlighted the need to strengthen the implementation of the Consumer Act to better protect buyers in an era of growing online transactions.
“CIA with BA” continues the legacy of the late Senator Rene Cayetano and airs every Sunday at 11 p.m. on GMA7, with replays on GTV the following Saturday at 10:30 p.m.
