How to be 'smart' and safe while shopping online

Consumers should be mindful and cautious that they don't deal with unscrupulous merchants who promote duplicate goods.

It is the era of smart devices, which provide 'anywhere' communications, access to information and entertainment, as well as being indispensable tools. And not to forget the remarkable increase in the number of social networking channels has made complex activities like access to information, sharing information, online publicity of products, all a matter of a few clicks.
Such phenomenon, although has simplified and made life a tad easier, and the ones making the most of these 'smart' technologies are the traders who publicise and demonstrate their products and services online to reach the biggest number of consumers.
Social networking portal websites have become very important for marketing and demonstrating of services amid the competition among the traders, who do their utmost to provide the best services at best prices to largest category of the consumers. Despite all these privileges and facilities made available for consumers, they should be very careful that their rights are not encroached upon. The DED, entrusted with the responsibility to maintain highest standards in doing business economically, socially and culturally, in addition to making Dubai a highly advanced digital economy, advises consumers to avoid purchasing expensive products until they are sure about the trade licence of the firm selling it.
Also consumers are advised to always take a copy of the purchase bill or receipt as well as warranty of the product which serves as a shield for their rights.
Consumers should be mindful and cautious that they don't deal with unscrupulous merchants who promote duplicate goods, as these are illegal and punishable offences and not allowed by the DED.
The most important steps that precede buying items is ensuring the specifications of the product placed on its ad, and going through all the details before buying it. We advise consumers to avoid buying products related to like skin and body care, medicines among others which may cause allergies and harm one's health due to incorrect dosage or without a medical prescription.
The DED has urged consumers to benefit from these online and social networking channels in terms of comparing the prices and the specifications to choose the best product matching their needs.
The department is keen on doing away with any possible fake websites that breaches its laws.
This is done by appointing a number of DED inspectors to keep a watchful eye on the business accounts on the social networking websites to root out any fake or illegal practices that don't comply with DED rules.
DED calls all consumers to join it in eliminating any illegal practices by reporting any suspicious websites by dialing 600545555. To stamp out such channels is a national and social duty of each and every member in the society.
(As told by Abdullah Al Shehi- Director of the Consumer protection Section-DED)

• UAE