DTI warns consumers to be wary of fakes

DANILO Fontanos of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is rallying consumers to be wary of fake product information “a vigilant consumer is the most protected consumer."

Today when buying is done even online, do not easily be baited by “too good to be true” promos that may lead you to malicious offers where you just lose your money, Fontanos said.

Fontanos said when buying, always check on the quality and make of items and commodities, assuring the DTI is ready to accept and act on complaints pertaining to product standard.

Meanwhile, Alberto Oyao-ao of the National Telecommunication Commission (NTC) Cordillera Region discussed how scams and spam messages have engulfed the online communication.

One who is not vigilant becomes easy victim of scams and sometimes it costs high sum, Oyao-ao warned.

NTC has put-up one-stop public assistance centers (OSPAC) for any complaint, he said even as he admitted that there is difficulty in apprehending online scammers.

Appolinaire Lukban of Philippine Long Distance Telecommunication also warned account holders not to be victims of phishing where unscrupulous individuals lure people through the internet to give their account information.

Reports show how people lost their money in the banks because they unknowingly had fed their account data through phishing.

In celebration of Consumer Welfare Month with the theme: “Consumer rights in the digital age”, DTIKalinga led the consumer forum attended by consumer sectors here. (PIA Kalinga)