Online shopping is convenient but comes with risk — items not as described, defective, never delivered, or outright payment scams. Consumers have more legal rights than they think, with accessible ways to claim.
What rights consumers have
If you receive goods that don't match the advertising, are defective, or never arrive, you may have the right to a replacement, refund, or damages — depending on the facts and evidence. Consumer cases have a process designed to make it easier for consumers to sue.
Never delivered / payment scams
If it's fraud (taking money and not delivering, or a fake shop), it may amount to criminal fraud alongside a civil damages claim. Quickly gathering evidence and filing a police report improves your chance of getting your money back.
What to do
- Keep full evidence — the storefront/ads, chats, the order, transfer slips, the seller's details.
- Don't delete chats or posts that are evidence.
- Contact the seller/platform to resolve first, and keep a record of the outcome.
- Consult a lawyer to assess whether to pursue a consumer case, civil claim, or criminal fraud.
📌 See more: civil & consumer cases · online scams & money-mule accounts
If you were scammed or received goods not as described online, talk to our team to claim your rights and damages.