Muscat – Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) registered 402 e-commerce complaints between April 1 and May 15, 2024, in the sultanate.

According to data released by CPA, the e-shopping control department dealt with these complaints, successfully mediating and securing refunds totalling RO9,855 for affected consumers.

A CPA statement said consumer complaints were received through various channels, including its consumer hotline, social media platforms and website.

Among the sectors which had the highest number of complaints were cosmetics and perfumes, ready-to-wear clothes, educational supplies and stationery, gold and silver jewellery, electrical and electronic appliances, and wedding and event services.

Complaints reported ranged from products not meeting specifications to delivery delays, non-receipt of contracted items, and failure of service providers to refund advance payments.

The authority stressed the importance of consumer vigilance, cautioning against engaging with counterfeit accounts making falsely claims.

Citizens and residents are urged to promptly report any instances of impersonation of the authority’s website or social media accounts by contacting the CPA at 80077997 or 80079009.