The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has warned the public against buying 'mystery parcels' online after some buyers have fallen into scams.

"Mystery parcels" refer to products designated for delivery but remain unclaimed or have not reached the intended recipient.

DTI said the complexity of dealing with mystery parcels may lead to fencing because the rightful recipient holds the claim to the parcel.

"Para mayo kitang problema, ang magayon kaiyan, we make it a point na habo na talaga kang recipient kaito. Kapag arog kaiyan na nagduman ka na habo na kuanon, siguro discretion na kaitong seller or kung considered ito as sold," Jay Percival Ablan, Provincial Director of DTI in Camarines Sur, said.

To avoid falling victim to scams or fraud while shopping online, it is crucial to check the legitimacy of the seller. Buyers can check for the seller’sregistration with DTI, mayor's permit, registration with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), among others. 

Opting for cash-on-delivery (COD) payments and reading reviews carefully of the seller and the product before making a purchase are also recommended.

Consumers are encouraged to report failed transactions or scams to DTI.

"For every failed transaction or scams, dae ta pag-isipon ang sadiri ta. Dapat isipon ta man itong komunidad, kasi after you, may possible pa iyan na pwedeng lokohon. Kung ika na naloko, putulon ta an duman. lreklamo samuya o sa mga pulis para maputol an budol," Ablan added.

Joel Arcos, 38, an online shopper, said he is more careful with his transactions, especially that he has experienced receiving a parcel that was different from what he ordered. 

He is also wary of the rising trend of 'mystery parcels.'

"Dae ako nag-try kaito ta habo ko ngani ma-scam. Makulog baka sa buot na ma-scam ka, sayang kang kwarta. Maray lamang kung ang kwarta, madaling hanapon," Arcos said.

Another avid online shopper, Wilma Jarabece Bon, said she is well-aware of the risks and has become more cautious in inspecting the items she receives.

"Okay man, almost okay man gabos na na-order ko, siyempre tighihiling ko muna si mga suggestion [sa online comments] kung okay, ta minsan igwang nag-aabot na sala man," Bon said.