Beware of International Shopping Scams: Preventing Fraud in Cross-Border Transactions
Case Overview：
Mr. Liu found a mobile phone on an overseas e-commerce platform and paid $2,000 through the platform's "quick payment" link. However, after the payment, the seller did not ship the product on time. Mr. Liu contacted the seller multiple times without success, and the platform's customer service did not resolve the issue. Additionally, the seller's website became inaccessible.
Legal Response:
Consultation and Evidence Collection:
Mr. Liu had an initial consultation with Max International Law Firm, providing the lawyers with all payment receipts, transaction emails, and communication records with the merchant. After reviewing the materials, the lawyers identified compliance issues with the platform and decided to assist Mr. Liu in further handling the case.
Cross-Border Background Investigation:
Mr. Liu had an initial consultation with Max International Law Firm, providing the lawyers with all payment receipts, transaction emails, and communication records with the merchant. After reviewing the materials, the lawyers determined that the platform had compliance issues and decided to assist Mr. Liu in further addressing the matter.
Cross-Border Recovery and Coordination:
Max International Law Firm collaborated with relevant payment companies to assist in freezing the merchant's accounts and contacted the platform's operators as well as law enforcement agencies in the merchant's registration jurisdiction to initiate an investigation. The lawyers also advised Mr. Liu to file a complaint with international consumer protection organizations to strengthen his efforts in safeguarding his rights.
Legal Procedures and Outcome:
Through cross-border cooperation, Max International Law Firm successfully froze a portion of the funds and applied to the courts for access to the platform's operational records and transaction logs. After legal collaboration across multiple countries, Mr. Liu was able to recover part of his funds, and the platform was ordered to compensate for some of the losses.
Result and Recovery:
This case highlights the importance for investors and consumers in cross-border shopping to be cautious of the platform's legitimacy and the background of the seller. It is crucial to conduct thorough research before making any payments to avoid falling victim to fraud.
