1. Check the presence of mandatory information by law
All virtual stores operating in Brazil must provide the consumer with certain information required by law. According to Federal Decree 7962, of 2013, websites must display, in a prominent and easy-to-view location, the name of the company, CNPJ or CPF of the seller and information necessary for its location and contact.
E-commerces must inform essential characteristics of the goods, including possible health risks, separately discriminate the delivery value, insurance or any other additional expenses, the payment methods offered and the delivery period. If the page you are visiting does not contain all this data clearly, be suspicious.
2. Consult the registration status of the CNPJ in IRS
anyone can consult a CNPJ on the Federal Revenue website free of charge and immediately before making an online purchase. The survey will reveal the company's registration status, indicating whether the company is active or if there is any irregularity.
3. Pay attention to the website URL
The website URL can indicate whether a website is trusted or not. Several fraudulent pages use domains similar to those used by famous shopkeepers, changing just a few letters in the address, with the aim of deceiving the most inattentive consumers. It is also worth checking if the web browser displays HTTPS and a padlock icon next to the store's address — this will signal that that page is secure.
4. Consult the Procon-SP list
Procon-SP has a website that provides a list of online stores that consumers should avoid. The page, called “ Avoid These Sites ”, exposes more than 90 unreliable establishments in various cities across the country, including e-commerce stores for clothing, cosmetics, electronics, shoes, among others. If you are having doubts about a store, it is worth checking if the company is listed as doubtful on the platform.
5. Check the site's reputation on Complain here and Consumer.gov
It is possible to consult online platforms to find out the reputation of stores based on the experiences of other consumers. At the Complain Here , for example, the user will be able to view complaints left by other buyers to find out if that e-commerce is involved in reports of fraud, misleading advertisements or differences between products sold.
Consumer.Gov works as a mediator of conflicts between users and stores. The platform, which belongs to the Federal Government and is monitored by Procon and other consumer protection bodies, also gathers complaints from other buyers, making it possible to find out if the store has a problematic history involving online purchases.
