In this Dec. 17, 2019, file photo, Tahsha Sydnor stows packages into special containers after Amazon robots deliver separated packages by zip code at an Amazon warehouse facility in Goodyear, Arizona. On Monday, March 16, 2020, Amazon said it needs to hire 100,000 people across the U.S. to keep up with a crush of orders as the coronavirus spreads and keeps more people at home, shopping online. (File photo from AP/ROSS FRANKLIN)
MANILA, Philippines – Scam Watch Pilipinas advises Filipinos to choose cash-on-delivery payment methods when shopping online due to the proliferation of shopping scams that target customers on the internet.
The group’s co-lead convenor, Art Samaniego Jr., said on Monday that the payment option is the best in preventing possible fraud as customers can check the product before paying the seller.
When shopping online, customers are usually given the option to either pay using cash when the product is delivered to them, called cash-on-delivery, or to pay using electronic cash services.
“Ang ina-advise ko sa mga kaibigan ko, mag cash-on-delivery ka para makita mo. Malalaman mo kung fake ba iyong [product] o hindi,” he said in an interview with Radyo 630.
(I advise my friends to opt for cash-on-delivery so you can see it yourself. You’ll find out whether the [product] is fake.)
Further, the co-lead convenor urged online shoppers to purchase products only through legitimate online selling websites, as scams tend to occur in transactions between private individuals.
Samaniego Jr. also said victims should file complaints against scammers online.
“Kailangan magreklamo tayo kapag naii-scam tayo sa mga online shopping sites na ito,” he said.
(We must complain when we get scammed on these online shopping sites.)
Samaniego mentioned Filipinos tend to refrain from complaining when scammed due to embarrassment over deception.
He also said they believe filing a complaint will not yield any result.
“Kapag hindi tayo nagreklamo, mas maraming magiging biktima ang mga kriminal na ito. Kaya dapat magreklamo tayo,” he explained.
(If we don’t complain, more people will become victims of these criminals, so we should file a complaint.)
Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center previously told online shoppers to be “extra careful” when buying online products during Christmas.
The reminder comes after a report revealed the Philippines is among the top 11 countries with the highest shopping scam rate in Asia.