"Bought Dentures, Received Plastic Models": Surge in Low-Quality Goods Damage from Overseas Shopping Malls

Mr. A ordered dentures for 59,000 won from an overseas shopping mall after seeing a YouTube advertisement last June.

However, 10 days later, when he opened the delivered package, it contained a toy-like, thin plastic dental model and silicone beads instead of dentures.

The Korea Consumer Agency announced today (August 26) that there is a surge in consumer damage involving people using overseas shopping malls after seeing YouTube ads, only to receive low-quality products or fail to get refunds.

According to an analysis of consumer consultations related to overseas shopping malls accessed via YouTube ads by the Korea Consumer Agency and the Seoul Electronic Commerce Center, a total of 359 consumer consultations were filed in the first half of this year.

In June alone, 142 cases were filed, marking about a 4.6-fold increase compared to January (31 cases).

By type of consultation, "false or exaggerated advertising," such as delivering low-quality products different from the ads, and "refusal of refunds or withdrawal of subscription," such as refusing full refunds, each accounted for the highest share at 24.0%.

By product category, "clothing and fashion items" accounted for the largest share of damage at 63.2%, followed by "furniture, living, and kitchen supplies" at 11.1%, and "health and hygiene products" at 10.6%.

The average damage amount was about 71,000 won, and 88.9% of all damage occurred in transactions under 100,000 won.

An analysis of 339 cases where the age of the consumer could be verified showed that people in their 50s accounted for the highest share at 34.8%, followed by those aged 60 and older at 30.4%.

The Korea Consumer Agency advised, "Refrain from using sites where the business name and address cannot be verified," adding, "You must also check the return and refund conditions before making a payment."
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.