To shop safely online, buy from sellers with a real address and phone number, check reviews outside the seller’s own page, prefer cash on delivery or protected payment methods for new sellers, never share OTPs or PINs, and keep screenshots of the product page, chat and payment. In Bangladesh, the Digital Commerce Operation Guidelines 2021 say paid orders should be delivered within 5 days in the same city and 10 days elsewhere, and if something goes wrong you can complain to the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (hotline 16121) within 30 days.
- Prices that look too good to be true usually are.
- No genuine seller or bank will ever ask for your OTP or PIN.
- Keep evidence: screenshots, receipts, chat history, delivery details.
- Know your rights: delivery timelines, product information and complaint routes.
- Compare prices and spot unrealistic deals with the free Smart Shopping Engine.
The phone that never arrived
Imagine a young woman scrolling Facebook who sees a new phone advertised at 40% below the market price. The page has thousands of likes and lots of happy comments. The seller asks for full payment by mobile banking “because stock is limited”. She pays.
The parcel never comes. The page blocks her. When she looks more carefully, the “happy comments” are from profiles created last month, and the page changed its name three times.
Scams like this work because they create urgency and look busy. A few simple checks, taking five minutes, would have stopped it.
Red flags before you buy
A safe shopping checklist
- Compare the priceCheck the same model in at least three trusted shops. If one is far cheaper, ask why. Our Smart Shopping Engine makes this quick.
- Check the sellerLook for a physical address, trade licence number, contact number, return policy and how long the business has existed.
- Read reviews elsewhereSearch the shop name plus “review” or “fraud” on Google and in Facebook groups. Learn to spot fake reviews.
- Choose a safer paymentCash on delivery for new sellers, or cards and platforms with buyer protection. Avoid sending large advance payments to personal numbers.
- Never share codesNo real seller, bank or courier needs your OTP, PIN or password.
- Save evidenceScreenshot the product page, price, chat and payment confirmation.
- Check on deliveryOpen or inspect the parcel in front of the delivery person if possible, especially for expensive items. Note any damage before you sign.
Your rights in Bangladesh
| Rule (Digital Commerce Operation Guidelines 2021) | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Delivery within 5 days (same city) or 10 days (other cities) after payment | You can expect paid orders on time and complain if they don’t arrive |
| Sellers must show price, delivery charges, return conditions and real images | Hidden charges and vague listings are not acceptable |
| Marketplaces must offer a complaint channel and respond within 72 hours | Use the seller’s complaint system first and keep the reference |
| Ratings and reviews must stay visible | Platforms shouldn’t delete honest reviews |
If something goes wrong
- Contact the seller first in writing and keep the reply.
- Contact your payment provider quickly if you paid by card or mobile banking and suspect fraud.
- Complain to DNCRP: the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection accepts complaints through its hotline 16121 and online. Complaints should be made within 30 days of the incident, with your receipt or payment proof and photos. Under the law, a complainant can receive a share of any fine collected.
- For scams and fraud, report to the police or the cyber crime unit, with your screenshots.
Extra tips for international shopping
- Check total cost, including shipping, customs duty and VAT, before you pay.
- Use a card with online transaction limits you control.
- Use our currency converter to see the real price in taka.
Shop smarter
Compare prices and spot unrealistic deals with the free Smart Shopping Engine, then read how to compare prices and find the best deal and how to tell if a discount is real.
Sources
- The Daily Star: Overview of the Digital Commerce Operation Guidelines 2021
- UNB: How to complain under the Consumer Rights Protection Act
- Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if an online shop is fake?
Warning signs include prices far below other shops, advance payment only to personal mobile banking numbers, no address or trade licence, copied product photos and a new or renamed page with suspicious comments.
How long does an e-commerce seller in Bangladesh have to deliver?
Under the Digital Commerce Operation Guidelines 2021, paid orders should be delivered within 5 days in the same city and 10 days in other cities.
Where can I complain about an online seller in Bangladesh?
Complain to the seller first, then to the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection via hotline 16121 or online, within 30 days, with receipts and photos.
Is cash on delivery safer?
For new or unknown sellers, cash on delivery reduces the risk of paying for something that never arrives. Inspect the item before paying if possible.
Should I share an OTP with a seller or courier?
Never. No genuine seller, courier or bank needs your OTP, PIN or password.
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