DUBAI // Consumer protection authorities want to join forces with their international counterparts to help crack down on foreign-based internet scammers who target UAE shoppers.
With the rapid rise of internet shopping, consumers are at more risk of falling prey to criminals outside the jurisdiction of UAE authorities.
Mohammed Ali Lootah, deputy chief executive of the Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection Sector of the Department of Economic Development (Ded), said globalisation required a global response to consumer rights.
"The internet knows no borders, and that is the way we need to start thinking about consumer rights," he said. "We are going to look at joining and working more closely with international organisations in this regards."
Speaking on the sidelines of the Dubai World Conference for Consumer Rights at the Dubai International Convention Centre yesterday, he said the Ded would look at joining the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN), a global network of consumer protection agencies.
"With ICPEN we can share best practice and if we believe someone in a foreign country is scamming people here, we can inform that country's authorities and they can take action," he said.
Joining ICPEN would require federal government approval.
