(Consumers pinag-iingat ng DTI) FALSE SALES PROMOTIONS

PINAALALAHANAN ng Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) ang mga consumer na maging maingat sa paglahok sa sales promotions na iniaalok ng iba’t ibang negosyo.

Sa gitna ng pagdami ng mga nakaaakit na alok at discounts, lalo na ngayong holiday season, ang mga consumer ay hinihikayat na manatiling mapagbantay at tiyakin na ang promotional activities ay lehitimo at sumusunod sa fair trade laws.

Ayon sa ahensiya, upang matiyak ang pagiging lehitimo ng isang promotion, dapat i-check ng mga consumer ang advertisement kung nagtataglay ito ng mandatory phrase na: “Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No.____”; specific promo duration; at presensiya ng isang DTI representative na mangangasiwa sa raffle draws.

Sinabi pa ng DTI na ang promo discounts, ang presensiya ng dati o regular price tag ay dapat na malinaw.

“Prizes or freebies that fall under the list of mandatory certification scheme should have product standard (PS) or import commodity clearance (ICC) markings,” ayon pa sa ahensiya.

Nakasaad sa permit number na opisyal na inaprubahan ng DTI ang sales promo permit.

“Promotional activities without this declaration should be reported to the concerned government agencies: the DTI for consumer products; the Department of Agriculture for agricultural products; the Department of Health for food, drugs, medicines, and medical devices; and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for wood and other forest products,” sabi ng ahensiya.

Hinikayat din ni DTI Region 11 director Romeo Castañaga ang publiko na maging maingat sa online sales promotions, lalo na sa social media dahil ang mga review at testimonial ay maaaring pekehin.

“There are social media pages that somehow copy the names of famous brands or shops. They offer products at hard-to-believe low prices. If the offer is too good to be true, be more vigilant. Scrutinize the post and the page behind it.

Most importantly, report it to avoid victimizing others,” ani Castañaga.

“While sales promos are exciting opportunities to save, we urge consumers to be vigilant. A little caution can go a long way in avoiding scams and ensuring a safe shopping experience,” dagdag pa niya.