{September 29, 2008} VICTORIA, BC – The Business Practices & Consumer Protection Authority (BPCPA) has been able to negotiate refunds for consumers who were victims of an online iPhone sales scam.  Earlier this year, some Canadian consumers purchased an iPhone over the Internet although the phone was not yet available in Canada and they never received the product.

Nineteen individuals filed complaints with the BPCPA and the BPCPA was able to provide assistance which resulted in all consumers being reimbursed.   BC’s consumer protection laws address deceptive and misleading business practices as well as not receiving a product that was bought online.

Here are few tips for consumers when buying online:

• Know who you are doing business with. Do a background check on the company through the BPCPA and your local Better Business Bureau.
• Consider the reliability of the website. Creating, registering and promoting a website is relatively easy and inexpensive.  Don’t assume all sales testimonials are correct and the site has been has screened and approved.
• Know what is being sold, the total price, the delivery date, the return and cancellation policy, and the terms of any guarantee.
• Use a credit card. You may be able to get your money back through your credit card provider if you don’t receive the product.
• Keep records. Write down the company name, address (including website or email address), phone number, description of what you ordered, date, amount paid, how you paid, and how payment was delivered (mail, courier service, credit card number on phone or online etc.).
• Report suspicious behaviour to your local police and contact the BPCPA to file a complaint.

For more information about the BPCPA, BC’s consumer protection laws and your rights and responsibilities as a BC consumer, please contact the BPCPA Inquiry Centre.

BPCPA Inquiry Centre:
Toll Free: 1-888-564-9963
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it