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.

Common Types of Online Shopping Fraud

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

Preventive Measures Against Fraud

• Effective Legal Framework: Implemening strict policies and penalties is crucial to combat online shopping fraud.

• Consumer Protection Measures: Establishing dedicated complaint centers and redress mechanisms can help safeguard consumer rights.

• 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.

• Training and Awareness for Business Owners: Online sellers should receive training on customer service and product transparency to ensure a more reliable marketplace.

Conclusion

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.

The writer is a student of The University of Dhaka