The Malta Communications Authority, the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority and the European Consumer Centre in Malta have launched a series of free information sessions on online shopping for the public.
The aim of these sessions is to inform consumers about the process of online shopping, to make them aware of their rights and to inform them on how to spot dangerous websites.
Parliamentary Secretary for Financial Services, Digital Economy and Innovation Silvio Schembri emphasised the importance for customers to be more knowledgeable of their rights and responsibilities when buying online.
He referred to a study carried out two years ago by the Malta Communications Authority, which showed that 78 per cent of online users are digital buyers, while some customers expressed their concerns on buying online due to not being able to see the product beforehand or due to lack of information on how one should buy online.
“Therefore the initiative between the Malta Communications Authority and the Malta Competition and Consumers Affair Authority is the right tool to inform consumers about their rights and obligations when buying online,” Mr Schembri said.
Parliamentary Secretary for Consumer Protection and Valletta 2018 Deo Debattista also reminded those who attended how consumers needed to be best informed about the digital market and how they could benefit from it.
“This is why more emphasis should be made on educating consumers on their rights and obligations to ensure that the online transaction turns out to be the best possible experience. The information sessions launched today are aimed at giving all this information to Maltese consumers so they can enjoy all the benefits of online shopping without being put at risk,” Dr Debattista said.
The information sessions will be held in different localities around Malta and Gozo.
Each will be two hours long and will be addressed by trained professionals. All those interested can register by calling 2125 5495. Registration can also be done online through the MCCAA’s, MCA’s or ECC Malta’s websites or through the Facebook pages.
Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority
Office for Consumer Affairs
Mizzi House,
National Road,
Blata l-Bajda
HMR 9010
Freephone: 8007 4400
Tel: 2395 2000
Enquiries: info@mccaa.org.mt
Consumer complaints: fair.trading@mccaa.org.mt
Website: www.mccaa.org.mt
MCCAA office hours for the public:
Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 12.30pm
European Consumer Centre Malta
(For complaints against traders in other EU states)
47A, South Street,
Valletta.
VLT 1101
Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 3pm.
Tel: 2122 1901
E-mail: ecc.malta@gov.mt