After numerous reports from defrauded consumers, the Swedish Consumer Agency begins an audit of ten online stores. But there are several clues to look for to determine if an online store is serious.
“Ordered two sweaters in cashmere, but two came in polyester and elastane,” writes a complainant.
So far this year, the Swedish Consumer Agency has received over 500 reports against rogue online retailers. What the stores have in common is that they present themselves as Swedish, while the goods are delivered from another country.
– We see that many companies send defective goods and provide defective information. We have received many contacts and notifications about it from consumers and therefore we want to look more closely at this type of sale and see what shortcomings there are and how they can be remedied, says Henric Jonsson who is a legal adviser at the Swedish Consumer Agency.
“Cheap crap from China”
“Obviously it’s cheap crap from China, but they pretend it’s Swedish quality jewellery,” says a report to the authority. “On delivery, it was a completely different item sent from China. Customer service asks me to return the item and pay the shipping of SEK 150-400,” writes a reporter.
The Swedish Consumer Agency is now starting an examination of ten e-commerce sites with serious deficiencies. At the same time, they warn against this type of rogue e-traders.
– For example, look at whether there are proper contact details for the company or information about where the company is based. Watch out for strange wording on the websites, sometimes they are directly translated from other languages. Also check third-party reviews on independent review sites.
Dismisses the criticism
TV4 Nyheterna has contacted all designated sites. Those who returned dismiss the criticism and claim that they follow all the rules and say that they are clear that the goods are sent from abroad.
See which online stores the Swedish Consumer Agency reviews here.