Restrictions on the operation of physical stores, in order to contain the spread of the COVID 19 pandemic, caused a significant increase in online sales, resulting in an increase in complaints of unfair commercial practices. In particular, the problem was identified in sales through social media. Since 2020 DIMEA has issued an important notice on online shopping through social media.

In particular, with the expansion of e-commerce, sales of fake goods -the so-called rip-off products- at very low prices, as well as the sending of goods through several transport and courier companies in order to make it difficult to identify suppliers, were found. Furthermore, delivery notes were found where the sender’s details are not listed and above all the postal address or the listed details are incomplete or even false.

Also, many consumers found themselves in the unpleasant position of having their account “blocked” from the company’s social media page after completing and receiving the order. In other cases, the possibility of contacting the consumer with the phone lines displayed on the page as well as through the contact forms, which usually concern mobile phones, was abolished. Finally, the receipt of goods without handling and trading documents has also been observed.

In order to protect the consumer from fraud when purchasing goods through social media pages, DIMEA recommends that before each order and payment, consumers should be informed about the following:

–    The full details of the supplier: company name, registered office, contact phone number (not only mobile), online shop url, if there is an email-postal address, Tax Identification Number and GEMI company number

–    The main features of the product

–    The total price of the product, including taxes, shipping costs, etc.

–    The method of payment, shipping and availability of the product

–    The right to unjustified damage, withdrawal and return of the product within 14 days as well as the company’s return policy

Additionally, the following are recommended

1. Checking before payment that the website provides a secure connection for transmitting sensitive data such as credit card details, a lock on the browser
2. Ignore offers that appear in spam
3. Finding online any comments, experiences or recommendations of other consumers who have already dealt with the store, bearing in mind that they may be misleading or fabricated
4. Receive order confirmation

Finally, DIMEA recommends not receiving parcels when the payment is made by cash on delivery without the full sender details on the accompanying shipping note.