Manila: The Department of Trade and Industry - Negros Oriental: warned against purchasing from unregistered online vendors amid the rush to buy 'love' gifts for Valentine's Day.
According to Philippines News Agency, Krystle Jade Bato, spokesperson for DTI - Negros Oriental, emphasized that there is no redress mechanism for non-registered online sellers, making it difficult for the DTI to act on complaints of scams and unlawful transactions between a seller and a buyer. Bato highlighted the challenges in tracking and locating online sellers unless they are credible, have positive client feedback, numerous followers, and are recognized business entities.
Bato encouraged buyers to purchase from businesses that hold a trustmark from the DTI, indicating they are authentic vendors. She noted that a registered business entity can apply online to obtain a trustmark from the DTI.
Despite the DTI's limitations in addressing grievances against online sellers, individuals can seek assistance from either the barangay or the police's Cyber Crime Unit if they have firsthand knowledge of the individual involved.
