Cross-border e-commerce fraud: How to avoid being scammed on international platforms?
Case Overview:
Ms. Wang saw an advertisement for a brand-name bag on an international e-commerce platform. The price was significantly lower than the market price. The seller was located in France and the platform listed the seller as reputable. Ms. Wang spent 2,000 yuan on the "brand-name bag." Upon receipt, she discovered it was counterfeit, and the seller's contact information was no longer available. The platform failed to promptly resolve the issue, leading Ms. Wang to seek legal recourse to recover her money.
Legal Response:
Evidence Collection:
Ms. Wang provided all transaction records displayed on the platform, the seller's contact information, and product details. Financial Legal Aid discovered that the seller's account was frequently altered and that counterfeit products were being sold, suggesting potential fraudulent activity.
Consumer Protection:
Financial Legal Aid conducted a detailed analysis of the platform's user agreement for Ms. Wang and concluded that the platform had failed to fulfill its consumer protection responsibilities. The firm recommended that Ms. Wang initiate legal action against the platform and file a complaint with the relevant regulatory authorities alleging the platform's failure to fulfill its regulatory obligations.
Cross-border Litigation and Arbitration:
Because the seller was located in France and the platform's business was international, Financial Legal Aid initiated cross-border arbitration proceedings seeking a refund and compensation. Working with a French legal team, they ultimately obtained a refund and filed a lawsuit against the platform for negligence.
Outcome and Summary:
Ms. Wang successfully recovered her lost funds through legal channels and received compensation from the platform. This case serves as a reminder to consumers that when engaging in cross-border e-commerce, it is crucial to verify the seller's identity and the platform's credibility to avoid fraud.
