Consumer watchdog calls for better government protection after surge in Hong Kong online shopping complaints
Consumer Council revealed that complaints against online purchases jumped 23 per cent last year, compared to 2016
As shopping habits of Hong Kong consumers increasingly shift from physical to virtual, complaints against online purchases surged by over 20 per cent last year, alarming the city’s consumer watchdog, who called for stronger government protection for consumers.
The Consumer Council revealed that complaints against online purchases jumped 23 per cent last year, compared to 2016, resulting in 3,928 cases. The complaints were chiefly against purchases of air tickets and hotel accommodation.
E-commerce complaints involving sales practices, suspected fake products and alteration or termination of contracts increased massively, by 118, 168 and 332 per cent respectively. These complaints were for products or services worth over HK$10.8 million.
The council urged the government for stronger consumer protection regulations for those who make purchases on the internet to combat against surging e-commerce complaints.
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“When online shopping has become the norm in [people’s] lifestyle, consumer protection should also be in keeping with the times,” the council said in a year-end report on top consumer complaints in 2017.
