New platform to thwart fraud in e-commerce

The commerce ministry yesterday launched a Central Complaint Management System (CCMS) in order to protect consumers from fraud while purchasing goods and services from e-commerce firms.

The platform will also provide scope to the consumer to file complaints against deception by the sellers in the digital sphere, said the commerce ministry in a press release.

"We are introducing the system to ensure safe purchase and prevent irregularities in the e-commerce transaction. We expect to see its benefit," Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi said after inaugurating the system at the ministry office.

The commerce ministry said the CCMS platform will act as a bridge between the consumers, regulators and the e-commerce stakeholders.

The consumers will be able to file complaints through the Directorate of National Consumers Right Protection (DNCRP) against frauds by online sellers.

The authorities launched the system amid rising complaints against many e-commerce sites filed by the consumers.

In the last two years, thousands of consumers lost money because of embezzlement of their funds by a number of digital commerce companies namely E-orange, and Evaly.        

Md Hafizur Rahman, director general of the WTO Cell and chief coordinator of e-commerce cell at the commerce ministry, said the decision of a CCMS was taken against the backdrop of e-commerce scams.

"The idea of having an online platform is to resolve complaints quickly," he added.

Munshi said people are getting various benefits of digitalisation such as shopping online for convenience.

As a result, the coverage of e-commerce has expanded a lot when fraudulent practices have also increased, he said.

"We all have to be aware of this," he said.

At the event, State Minister for Information and Communication Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak said the popularity of e-commerce has increased as it has eased the lives of people.

All are getting the benefit of national emergency service by dialing 999, he said.