November 22, 2016
Consumer Protection Office Offers Tips for Manitobans Shopping Online
The convenience and flexibility of online shopping is popular with Manitobans, especially leading into the busy holiday season. The Consumer Protection Office is reminding Manitobans how to shop safely online as they look for deals this winter.
A good online shopping strategy is to visit the websites of familiar and trusted retailers. Otherwise, an Internet search may help to learn what other shoppers have to say about their experience with that vendor. Organizations such as the Better Business Bureau and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre can also be helpful in determining the credibility of a company.
On auction sites such as eBay, where individuals and not businesses are the sellers, it is especially important to read reviews from other buyers. If an issue arises, reputable auction websites will have their own dispute resolution procedures, as consumer protection laws may not apply. Know the rules of the auction before making bids.
Always confirm that websites are secure before providing any financial information. Look for ‘https://’ at the beginning of the web address, because the ‘s’ means the website is secure. Many web browsers will also indicate that a website is secure by placing an icon of a lock in the address bar. Look closely because each browser may use different security indicators.
Review all items on the website’s checkout page to ensure the prices and other details are correct. Notice any extra costs such as taxes, shipping and handling, foreign exchange rates or custom duty fees that may be applicable. Before completing the transaction, take time to understand all of the terms and conditions of the purchase including how to modify, cancel or return an order.
Consider which payment option is right for you as many websites now offer various forms of payment through PayPal, Visa Checkout, credit card, debit card or virtual Visa debit card. Manitobans who pay by credit card for online purchases have extra protection if issues arise with their transactions. The Consumer Protection Act:
- protects consumers against the unauthorized use of credit card information;
- limits a consumer’s liability to $50 when credit card information is used without proper authorization;
- provides the right to reverse or cancel a credit card charge if the consumer was entitled to a refund and has not received one from the vendor;
- gives consumers the right to cancel a sale prior to receipt of goods or services if the seller has not provided certain information to the consumer; and
- provides the opportunity to cancel an Internet sale if the seller fails to deliver goods or services.
These tips are relevant year-round whenever shopping online.
The Consumer Protection Office administers Manitoba’s consumer protection legislation and helps consumers and businesses effectively identify and manage marketplace issues.
Manitobans are encouraged to learn more about consumer protection issues and their rights under the law. Download the free Consumer Protection mobile app from Google Play or the Apple App store. Manitobans can also contact the Consumer Protection Office at 204-945-3800, (toll-free) 1-800-782-0067, or by email at consumers@gov.mb.ca. More information is also available at www.gov.mb.ca/cca/cpo.
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