World Consumer Rights Day

 

World Consumer Rights Day, celebrated on 15th March, is an annual display of the impact and global solidarity of consumers internationally. It also raises awareness of issues which affect consumers around the world and allows for a greater impact to be made by encouraging consumers to act collectively.

The 2018 theme for World Consumer Rights Day is “Making digital marketplaces fairer

This year’s theme for World Consumer Rights Day aims to highlight both the benefits and drawbacks of digital technology. According to Consumers International, e-commerce sales reached $2.29 trillion in 2017, however 70% of consumers are concerned that their digital payments may be unsafe. The most pressing issues related to consumers and digital technology, are access, scams and online protection.

What Can You Do?

Experts suggest taking the following steps to ensure your security when shopping online:

  • Ensure that the website address includes “https” and check for a padlock icon in the browser bar. These are indications that the website safe
  • If buying from a company which you are not familiar with, research it first to check reviews and feedback from former customers
  • Avoid clicking on web links sent in emails, particularly from email addresses which are unfamiliar to you. You may type the website address into a search engine to verify that it is safe

Citizens of Saint Lucia are also encouraged to become members of the Saint Lucia National Consumers Association (NCA) and support their efforts to champion the rights of consumers in Saint Lucia.

World Consumer Rights Day