The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Negros Oriental warned against purchasing from unregistered online vendors amid the rush to buy “love” gifts for Valentine’s Day.

“We do not have a redress mechanism for non-registered online sellers, and the DTI cannot act on complaints of scams and unlawful transactions between a seller and a buyer,” Krystle Jade Bato, DTI – Negros Oriental spokesperson, said in an interview yesterday.

Bato explained that it is challenging to track and find online sellers unless they are credible, possess positive client feedback, have numerous followers, and are recognized business entities.

Buyers are instead encouraged to purchase from businesses that hold a trustmark from the DTI, as they are authentic vendors, she said.

Bato added that a registered business entity can apply online to obtain a trustmark from the DTI.

Though the DTI cannot address grievances against online sellers, people can reach out for assistance from either the barangay or the police’s Cyber Crime Unit if they have firsthand knowledge of the individual involved. (PNA)