16 Mar 2017

Department of Trade and Industry regional officer, Ms Maureen Chirengedure says customers should always be vigilant when buying products.

Speaking in an interview with BOPA during the consumer rights awareness day at Serowe Mall on Wednesday, Ms Chirengedure said it was time consumers stood for their rights, controlled the market and ensured suppliers gave good service.

The event, held under theme, Building a Digital World Consumers Can Trust, Ms Chirengedure said was meant to emphasise the need for technology that had found its way into virtually every area of business.

However beneficial technology might be, Ms Chirengedure urged consumers to take precautionary measures to avoid being compromised.

She cited cyber-crimes and on-line fraud as the prevailing challenges consumers faced when exploiting technological means.

She said it had emerged that consumers did not pay attention to conditions of purchase and after care services, noting that they should know their rights to satisfaction, safety and being informed to choose, among others.

Ms Chirengedure warned of opportunists who took advantage of the internet and e-mails to defraud consumers, urging them to make follow ups on any suspicious electronic transaction they might come across.

“When you receive promotional and winning messages of lottery requesting your banking details you should enquire and verify such,” she stated.

March 15 is the day to commemorate world consumer’s rights, raise awareness about consumer rights and also give customers an opportunity to come together and reflect on market challenges and solutions. ENDS