It’s important to know your retailer and your rights when shopping online. COVID allowed scammers to double down on some of the worst practices letting them prey on consumers during the global pandemic. These bad actors have been taking advantage of online shoppers that had been looking for hard-to-find items like face masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE).
The Federal Trade Commission filed a complaint against Frank Romero (doing business as Trend Deploy) alleging that they failed to deliver PPE on time, if at all. Additionally, Romero didn’t tell customers about shipping delays, offer refunds or allow customers to cancel orders. Consumers who placed orders thought Romero was selling them N95 masks when in reality, Romero sent them cloth masks that did not have the protective qualities that were advertised.
Sellers are required to ship your order within the time frame stated in their advertising or within 30 days if a timeframe isn’t stated. If a seller doesn’t ship within the time promised, they have to give you a revised shipping date with the chance to either cancel your order for a full refund or accept the new shipping date.
Three things to remember when you shop online:
1. Research the company or product. Perform a search for the company name or product with the terms “review,” “complaint,” or “scam.” Loo at what other people say about it. Also, carefully read the seller’s description of the product. If the seller has name-brand products and are steeply discounted, the odds are good that they are fakes.
2. Read the terms of the sale. Note the total price, including taxes, shipping, and handling; the expected delivery date; and policies for refunds. Take special note of who pays for return shipping and if there is a restocking fee.
3. Pay by credit card. You’ll get protections under federal law, so you don’t have to pay for things you ordered but didn’t get.
Remember, if you see a scam, or want to report a problem about online shopping, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
