The Gyeonggi Provincial Government has issued a warning, noting a recent surge in consumer complaints regarding delayed shipping and refunds from online shopping malls selling used iPhones.
According to the Gyeonggi Provincial Government on November 28, the first related complaint was received on September 24 through the "Gyeonggi Civil Service 24" e-commerce consumer dispute mediation application. After the Chuseok holiday, the number of cases increased rapidly, reaching 60 cases in just two months.
In these cases, consumers were lured to sales sites through social media advertisements or blog purchase reviews. They were informed that shipping would take two to four weeks due to the items being shipped from overseas. However, it was found that false shipping information was provided. Subsequently, the sellers delayed the process, obstructed consumers from canceling their orders, and postponed refunds.
Ms. A (19), who lives in Suwon, saw an advertisement for a used iPhone for vintage photography on social media in August and ordered a used iPhone from Site B for 264,000 won. After transferring the money via bank account, she received a shipping message with a tracking number a few days later, but the shipping information could not be found. She was told that, as it was an overseas shipment, delivery would take two to four weeks and would be sent after arrival in Korea. However, after waiting for more than two months and requesting a cancellation, she still has not received a refund.
Mr. C (29), who lives in Goyang, ordered a used iPhone from Site B for 384,000 won in July and paid by card. Two months later, he received the product, but due to a defect, he returned it and requested a cancellation. Contrary to the guidance that the card would be canceled within five days, the cancellation was delayed for over a month.
By age group, the largest number of consumers affected by these product issues were in their 20s, accounting for 675 people (68.7%). This was followed by those in their 30s with 185 people (18.8%), teenagers with 61 people (6.2%), and those in their 40s and above with 62 people (6.3%).
To prevent further harm among teenagers, the Gyeonggi Provincial Government is working with the Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education to promote awareness of such cases in middle and high schools in the province and to urge caution against similar incidents. Additionally, the government has requested the Fair Trade Commission to take action against the relevant businesses.
A representative from the Gyeonggi Provincial Government emphasized, "To prevent such consumer damages, we advise that for overseas shipments, which take longer than domestic transactions, consumers should use only trusted websites, and exercise particular caution when making cash payments for online transactions."
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