ISLAMABAD: The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has issued a show-cause notice to kaymu.pk, an online shopping platform, for deceptive marketing practices with regard to the resolution of disputes between buyers and sellers, return policy, payment and shipping methods and vague terms and conditions.

The CCP took action following complaints by consumers who claimed to have been deceived, which is a violation of Section 10 of Competition Act 2010.

The CCP conducted an enquiry on the complaint of a Pakistani citizen who alleged that the online shopping platform was involved in deceptive marketing practices.

According to the complainant, the online shopping website guarantees a safe and highly cooperative platform for buyers and sellers. In contrast, the complainant said kaymu.pk allows sellers to commit fraud and mislead customers with regard to the services provided while placing an order as well as after-sale services.

After analysing facts, the enquiry report found kaymu.pk deceived its customers by providing self-contradictory information on the website and omitting fair warnings with regard to the seller’s return policy.

The CCP team found that the website failed to act as a true mediator by absolving itself from confirming the reliability of the seller.

The enquiry also found that kaymu.pk claims incorrectly to offer multiple delivery and shipping options to customers.

The enquiry report concluded that kaymu.pk is, prima facie, involved in disseminating false and misleading information to customers.

It is also capable of harming the business interest of competitors, thus violating Section 10 of Competition Act.

Published in Dawn, February 8th, 2017