Consumers urged to be cautious when shopping online

The Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) is calling on consumers to be extra vigilant when buying goods, especially online, amid rising concerns over unsafe or improperly labelled products in international markets.

Latoya Halstead, director of communications at the CAC, highlighted that the surge in online shopping has increased risks related to product safety, particularly when purchases are made through unfamiliar or unverified websites.

"It is not just about what is available in brick-and-mortar stores any more. Many consumers are purchasing goods online from a wide range of sources, and those online channels come from various jurisdictions with different rules," Halstead said.

She added that global disparities in regulations can complicate consumer safety. "As consumers, we have a plethora of goods in front of us... but different countries have different regulations and different standards. Because of that, there is no unilateral global standard for products," she explained.

Halstead urges shoppers to do their homework before making online purchases. This includes reviewing product feedback, verifying the credibility of sellers, and consulting international product safety resources whenever possible.

"Even if you cannot physically go into a store, someone else has likely purchased the item and shared their experience. We encourage consumers to read reviews and do as much investigation as possible before making purchases," she advised.

She also stressed the importance of acting quickly if a product issue arises. "If you buy a product and there is an issue, do not wait. Immediately contact the vendor and start the process to resolve the matter, because goods must be fit for purpose," Halstead emphasised.