DUBAI: People selling products on social networks could be fined Dh25,000 and have their account shut in case they are not authorized dealers or their products are flawed, a UAE official has warned.
Stern measures will also be taken against local websites involved in dealing in fake or flawed products in the UAE, Mohammed Lootah, Deputy Executive Director for Consumer Protection and Trade Control at the Department of Economic Development (DED), was quoted as saying by Emirates 24/7.
Lootah reportedly told the Arabic language daily ‘Al Bayan’ that the UAE has no authority on foreign websites operating abroad, adding that consumers in the UAE should be careful when dealing with these sites.
He reportedly said that people buying from local websites or social networks can report any problem to DED in case they find out that the purchased product is a fake or below standard.
“DED will take measures that will guarantee the rights of the consumers. These measures may involve suspending the dealers and their licence as well as shutting the website. Our advice to consumers is that they should check the website or read feedback about it before dealing with it,” he was quoted as saying by the news portal.
“As for persons selling products on social networks, they must be authorised dealers. Those who sell fake products or violate intellectual property and other rules will be fined Dh25,000 and have their account shut.”
Lootah reportedly said DED has created a special unit to monitor Facebook, Twitter and other social networks and that many personal accounts inside and outside the UAE have been shut for committing offences.
“DED also has a secret team of buyers to deal with those sites. They just buy products from those sites to ensure they are not a fake and the account holders have a licence.”
Al Bayan reportedly said Lootah was reacting to complaints by consumers that they have been victims of fraud by some websites.
One consumer who ordered an iPhone 6 smartphone was delivered an iPhone 5, while another who bought a massage machine has not received the item three weeks after purchase, Emirates 24/7 quoted the report as saying.
