Online shopping complaints in Hong Kong up 230% to 439

Consumer Council warns internet users to pay via a reputable third party payment gateway.

The Consumer Council said on Monday it received 439 complaints about Internet shopping last year, up 230% on the 132 cases in 2009.

An overseas complainant ordered a lawnmower from a Hong Kong company through a sizable Internet shopping portal and deposited money to a designated bank account. When the shipment did not arrive, he contacted the company but got no response. He sought help from the portal which had deleted the company from its list and refused to offer any follow-up action or compensation.

The council says consumers shopping online should avoid large transactions and not pay money directly to the seller, but through a reputable third party payment gateway. Consumers should allow enough time and get confirmation from the delivery party when changing delivery address. They should pay attention to the delivery time and make sure somebody is there to collect the items.

Consumers are also reminded the council only handles transaction disputes occurring in Hong Kong.