DTI warns of estafa charges against prank orders

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) warns shoppers who make prank purchases online this holiday season that they can be charged with estafa.
According to DTI Undersecretary Ruth Castelo, pulling pranks when ordering is penalized under the Revised Penal Code with imprisonment once proven.
Prank ordering means a customer would order food or any item online with the intention of cancelling later on.
Castelo said they have partnered with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in addressing the complaints that they will be receiving regarding the matter.
Victims of prank orders must keep the record of the transaction such as text message, contact number, time and date of the transaction and other pertinent information.
“Makukulong iyan. Kailangan lang tulungan din tayo ng complainant kung siya iyong seller o iyong food delivery platforms na makapag-complain siya. Mag-execute ng affidavit at makapag-complain. Tutulungan natin sila, sa PNP or sa NBI,” Castelo said.
[They will be jailed. We just need the cooperation of the complainants, whether he or she is the seller or from the food delivery platforms, in lodging their complaint. They should execute an affidavit. We will help them together with the PNP and the NBI.]
Meanwhile, the DTI advised online shoppers to verify the authenticity of the online store they are purchasing from so as not to be deceived or dismayed of the purchased products.
While online sellers are increasing since the pandemic, complaints are also piling up against bogus transactions which reached up to over 15,000 this year as compared to 2,500 in 2019.
At the House of Representatives, House Bill 7805 or the Internet Transaction Act that seeks protection to merchants, customers and even to third party service providers or ride-hailing providers.
Bogus buyers will face a penalty of up to P50,000 while errant merchants and ride-hailing service providers will have to pay up to P500,000 fine if violations are proven. MNP (with reports from Rey Pelayo)