Electronic shopping advice

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 633, 23 April 1996, Page 14

Electronic shopping advice

From the Ministry's Advice Service.

By

Pamela

Rogers

Many countries do not have sufficient laws to protect their citizens from unscrupulous traders or business practices, or from unsafe products. Fortunately this is not the case in New Zealand. We have a good system of laws that are concerned with making goods and services safe and reliable. However, without public awareness this may not always be the case. In recent years there has been a mushrooming of developments in the electronics industry, and this has resulted in corresponding changes in the way we do business. By the year 2000. the current marketplace maybe unrecognisable. These new developments and technologies greatly benefit the majority of consumers, but there are pitfalls to watch out for. Take for example buying from home. Now we can purchase many products by simply dialling an 0800 telephone number. However, it could be that we are buying from an overseas company that is not bound by NewZealand's consumer laws. This is why we continually warn people to find out where the company is, and to consider the difficulties they face if they have to return goods or ask for a refund. The growth of Internet has seen world wide marketing suddenly become available at the touch of a button. With this we have seen the growth of computer fraud. Again we warn consumers to take care, and particularly not to reveal details of credit cards or bank accounts on the Internet, where they can be scrutinised by others. With Internet it really is a case of buyer beware. The American lawenforcement authorities are already struggling to crack down on bogus get-rich-quick schemes, weight loss miracles, AIDS cures, inyestment scams and gambling. New Zealanders are equally at risk from these ripoff merchants. EFT POS is now common, and so too is the likelihood of misuse. Continually we remind users to remember to shield the pad from prying eyes when entering their PIN (Personal Identity Number) and never divulge the number to anyone. If they lose their card they should notify the carrier immediately. Smart cards are likely to enter the scene soon. Already they are being trialled both here and across the Tasman. Smart cards are similar in size and shape to a credit card. The difference is that the card can be programmed so it can be used like money.