DED advises on investing, against duplicating jewellery

The Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection Sector at the Department of Economic Development-Dubai (DED) has called on gold shops not to copy designs of internationally registered jewellery even if the consumer orders an imitation.
The jeweller will be held responsible if the rule is breached. According to Ibrahim Behzad, director of the intellectual property protection section, consumers should avoid requesting jewellers to imitate the designs, to preserve the rights of all parties.
"The gold and jewellery sector is one of the most important sectors in the emirate, and it is no secret that Dubai is known as the City of Gold where consumers and tourists throng to buy gold and gilded-trinkets. This is due to the mutual trust between traders and consumers, as well as the credibility of traders in dealing with the shoppers, and providing the best services," Behzad said.
He pointed out a recent step by a world famous trade brand to get its designs registered. The designs and the brand factor attracted a large number of consumer. Gold and jewellery stores should, therefore, avoid duplicating these designs, or else they will be liable to legal actions, he added.
Verify firms before investing in them, consumers told
The Department of Economic Development - Dubai (DED) has called on investors to verify the authenticity of companies before investing in them. Investors should ensure that they are not investing in unlicensed companies, the DED said.
"This is to avoid exploitation by unscrupulous companies, which promise unrealistic and false promises of returns. Verifying the companies will protect consumers from falling prey to fraud," said Abdul Aziz Al Tanak, Director, Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection Sector.
The investment process, he explained, requires a person who is aware of his requirements.
"The DED appeals to investors to report any companies or institutions that seek investments without first getting a permit to do so. Investors can reach us on 600-545-555," said Al Tanak.
He advised consumers and investors to ask companies for a copy of the trade licence to ensure 'investments' is listed under 'other activities'. He also appealed to traders to get 'investments' added to their trade licence before actually seeking them.
"We advise customers to take the initiative of safeguarding their rights so that we can help protect them and their savings."
Be discerning while using credit card
Plastic cash or the credit card has definitely simplified shopping. Fast transactions and easy availability have made people depend more on credit cards.
Why, even children shop with credit cards now. Credit card makes shopping easy. The consumer is able to buy things that are otherwise inaccessible to him. This convenience is compounded by online shopping. Online stores are mushrooming offering the consumer anything under the sun at the click of a finger. Now the customer does not have to go out looking for his needs. He can navigate the Net and buy what he wants. And to make things easier, goods will be delivered to his doorstep.
However, there are certain things a customer has to keep in mind, said Abdullah Al Shehi, director, consumer protection section. Be discerning and aware of the product one plans to buy. Also, have a mental idea of how much he can spend. The customer should be careful not to spend too much because when he uses his card to purchase, there is no limit. It is different from purchasing goods with cash in which case he knows when to stop, added Al Shehi. The consumer should strike a balance between purchasing through cash and credit card.
Remember, both are spending. Consumers should also be careful not to save the number of their credit cards on their devices. In many cases, children use this information to purchase games and additional apps without the knowledge of their parents.
Complaints
Ramadan complaint: A man lodged a complaint with the Consumer Complaints Section during the holy month of Ramadan saying members of a gymnasium drank water during fasting time. He requested his name to be withheld, and did not want to reveal the name of the gym located in Deira.
Rude shopkeeper: A woman filed a complaint against a supermarket for not delivering a Dh1 bottle of water. According to her, the shopkeeper asked her to order some other items so that he could deliver the water. She added the man was rude while talking to her, and refused to deliver the bottle.
Fine for wasting food: A consumer alleged that a restaurant was taking disciplinary action against customers who failed to finish what they had on their plate in a buffet worth of Dh47 per person. The complainant wondered why the fine is Dh49 when the buffet itself was only Dh47.
(Compiled by Salah Al Deberky)
salah@khaleejtimes.com
Khaleej Times runs the 'Consumer Forum' series in collaboration with the Department of Economic Development in Dubai. Readers can email their complaints and suggestions to news@khaleejtimes.com with the subject line 'Consumer Forum' or raise them directly with the DED on phone number 600 545 555.

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