GUJRAT: The district consumer protection court has asked the Federal Investigation Agency Karachi director (cyber crime) to launch an investigation into those fraudulent companies that have been fleecing the people in the name of online shopping.

The court has issued directions to the FIA in a case filed by a citizen against an online company for allegedly committing fraud with him.

On Feb 28, 2017, Muhammad Umar of Gujrat filed a complaint with district consumer court judge Bakht Fakhar Behzad. He said he purchased a black colour leather jacket through shipment No. 772177601294 and customer reference No. A 01-28-2017 through website www.apnidukaan.com. The product was delivered to him by TCS, Gujrat, and the product was found defective.

The complainant mentioned address in the complaint address of respondent as Apni Dukaan, 504, Al-Amin Tower, Main Nipa Chowrangi, Gulshan Colony, Karachi. The respondent was summoned through Leopard Courier Service and the envelope returned to the court inscribed with “there existed no shop on the above-mentioned address.”

Sensing the situation that fraudulent online websites are working in Pakistan, the judge in his verdict said: “I have myself taken pain to unearth the truth. The page on Facebook was opened but website did not respond. I have noticed with great concern that a number of fraudulent online stores are working in Pakistan... “

The judge has directed the FIA Cyber Crime Circle, Karachi, situated at FIA building, 1st Floor, Near Darul Sehat Hospital, Johar Chorangi to investigate the matter.

The judge has issued the order under section 11 of the Punjab Consumer Protection Rules, 2009, directing the registrar of the court to send copy of the order to the federal interior minister Islamabad, FIA director general, industries secretary, Directorate of Provincial Consumer Protection Council and Gujrat deputy commissioner.

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2017