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Online shopping fraud problems and preventive measures

Published : Friday, 21 March, 2025 at 12:00 AM  Count : 421
Afifa Jahan Pushpo
Online shopping has become increasingly convenient for many people. From clothing and shoes to daily necessities, consumers can now place orders from the comfort of their homes. However, alongside its advantages, online shopping has also seen a rise in fraud and irregularities. As a result, many consumers suffer financial and psychological losses. Despite this, there is still a lack of strict legal frameworks and proper monitoring to prevent such fraud.

The ease of online transactions has made consumers more dependent on digital shopping. The rapid expansion of e-commerce platforms has provided opportunities for both genuine businesses and fraudulent entities. Many customers fall victim to deceptive online practices due to their trust in online sellers. Since online transactions lack physical verification, scammers often take advantage of this gap to exploit consumers. Without effective laws and regulations, fraudulent sellers continue to operate, leaving many buyers frustrated and financially burdened.

Common Types of Online Shopping Fraud: Discrepancy Between Advertised and Delivered Products: Many online pages display a product image but sell different versions with varying quality and prices. In some cases, price fluctuations occur due to import costs or sourcing from local markets. Consequently, customers often receive counterfeit or substandard products. Moreover, many sellers refuse to accept returns, causing inconvenience for buyers. When a product does not match the description, customers struggle to seek refunds or exchanges. Additionally, some sellers intentionally mislead buyers by using edited images to present their products as high-quality, even when they are not.

Unethical Customer Service Behavior: Online businesses are typically operated by multiple individuals who handle customer service and communication. However, in some cases, administrators exhibit rude behavior when customers ask questions or express dissatisfaction. Such actions not only lead to fraudulent experiences but also damage the credibility of online marketplaces. Some sellers fail to respond to complaints or block customers who demand refunds. As a result, many people are left helpless after making purchases, and this discourages trust in online shopping.

Promotion and Sale of Fake or Harmful Products: Some online platforms misleadingly advertise and sell skincare and health-related products. Certain brands or promoters provide false assurances while marketing products that contain harmful chemicals, posing significant health risks. Without proper regulations, such misleading promotions can severely impact consumers. In some cases, consumers develop severe allergic reactions or suffer long-term health complications due to the lack of product authenticity. Fraudulent sellers exploit the lack of consumer awareness to sell untested and unsafe items without any consequences.

Fake Online Shops and Payment Scams: Another common type of fraud involves fake online shops that disappear after collecting money from buyers. These fraudulent businesses operate through social media pages or poorly regulated websites. Once an order is placed and the payment is made, customers find that they cannot contact the seller anymore. Scammers take advantage of the digital payment system to collect money without delivering products. Many people lose significant amounts of money to such scams, and the lack of legal protection makes it difficult to recover their losses.

Phishing Scams and Data Theft: Cybercriminals often use fake websites or email campaigns to trick customers into providing personal and financial information. Many unsuspecting shoppers fall victim to phishing scams where they enter their credit card details on fake checkout pages. As a result, their financial data is stolen, leading to unauthorized transactions and monetary loss. Online fraudsters continuously develop new ways to deceive consumers, making it essential for buyers to remain cautious while shopping online.

Preventive Measures Against Fraud: Effective Legal Framework: Implementing strict policies and penalties is crucial to combat online shopping fraud. Authorities must introduce laws that hold online sellers accountable for misleading advertisements, poor-quality products, and unethical business practices. A legal system that enforces transparency in e-commerce transactions will protect buyers from fraudulent schemes.

Consumer Protection Measures: Establishing dedicated complaint centers and redress mechanisms can help safeguard consumer rights. Consumers should have access to proper channels to report fraudulent activities. Government agencies and online platforms must collaborate to create a secure environment where consumers can shop without fear of deception.

Quality Control and Monitoring: Government agencies should enforce strict supervision, especially on skincare and health-related products, to prevent the sale of harmful or counterfeit goods. Regulatory bodies must inspect online businesses regularly to ensure that they comply with quality and safety standards.

Training and Awareness for Business Owners: Online sellers should receive training on customer service and product transparency to ensure a more reliable marketplace. Ethical business practices must be encouraged so that sellers understand the importance of honesty and reliability in e-commerce.

Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating consumers about common online scams and safety measures can help reduce fraud cases. People should be aware of the risks associated with online transactions and be able to identify suspicious online stores or misleading advertisements.

Secure Payment Methods: Online shoppers should use secure payment options that offer buyer protection. Digital wallets, escrow services, and secure credit card payments can help prevent financial losses due to fraudulent transactions. Consumers should avoid making direct bank transfers to unknown sellers, as these payments are often irreversible.

Improving E-commerce Regulations: Online marketplaces must take responsibility for the businesses operating on their platforms. Implementing strict seller verification processes and allowing customers to review businesses can enhance the credibility of online shopping. Platforms should actively monitor sellers and remove fraudulent accounts to ensure a safer shopping environment.

As online shopping continues to gain popularity, ensuring its security and transparency becomes increasingly essential. To build a fraud-free and reliable online marketplace, it is necessary to introduce government regulations, enforce consumer protection laws, and promote awareness among business owners. Creating a well-organized and secure online shopping environment requires the active participation of all relevant stakeholders. By implementing stronger policies, improving monitoring systems, and educating consumers, the e-commerce sector can become more trustworthy and beneficial for everyone.

The writer is a student of The University of Dhaka


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