Online shopping has become a convenient part of our daily lives. E-commerce has made it easier than ever to get what we need with just a few clicks. But not all that glitters online is gold. One of the most frustrating and common issues faced by online shoppers is receiving product not as promised.
What Does “Product Not as Promised” Mean?
This scam involves receiving an item that significantly differs from what was shown or promised on the website or marketplace. For example:
- A smartphone that turns out to be a toy or dummy phone
- Clothing that is of inferior quality or cheap replicas of famous brands
- A completely different product from what was ordered
These differences are not minor defects, they completely change the value or usability of the item.
Where Does This Happen Most?
- E-commerce Sites: Especially from sellers with low ratings or unverified profiles
- Social Media Marketplaces: Social Media market places like whatsapp groups, instagram pages where listings can appear highly polished but lack buyer protection.
- Classifieds: Platforms like OLX, Quikr, or even Facebook Marketplace often see such cases, especially in peer-to-peer deals.
Why Is It So Common?
- Lack of product verification: Sellers can upload fake images and misleading descriptions.
- No strict return policies: Especially in non-regulated platforms or international sellers.
- Impersonation of brands: Fake sellers may use logos or names of well-known brands to gain trust.
How Can You Protect Yourself?
Here are a few quick tips to avoid being scammed:
- Check seller ratings and reviews. Don’t rely only on product photos.
- Avoid deals that look too good to be true. They usually are.
- Always use secure payment methods. Avoid direct bank transfers or UPI for unknown sellers.
- Read return and refund policies carefully.
- Take screenshots of product listings and any conversations for future reference.
What To Do If You’re Scammed?
If you’ve received goods that aren’t as described:
- Report the seller on the platform immediately.
- Raise a dispute or request a refund through the official support channels.
- If the seller is unresponsive and it’s a financial fraud, file a cybercrime complaint at https://cybercrime.gov.in.
- Report in ScamYodha to prevent others from being scammed.
While online shopping can be incredibly convenient, it’s important to be aware of the risks. “Product Not as Promised” scams are common, but with a little caution and smart shopping habits, you can protect yourself and shop confidently. Stay alert, shop smart, and don’t let scammers take advantage of your trust!
QA Analyst