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Every year World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated to increase awareness about consumer rights and promote safe purchasing practices. Globally, consumer protection is critical since fraud and disinformation cause huge financial losses. With the advent of the digital era, internet purchasing on social media sites such as Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube has increased dramatically. However, this expansion has increased the possibility of misleading advertisements and fake products, which are frequently promoted through appealing discounts, bogus reviews, and false urgency.
The aim of this article is to educate customers on spotting phoney items on social media and to advise them on how to protect themselves. By exposing typical deceptive tactics and practical safety precautions, consumers may make informed decisions and avoid falling prey to online frauds, resulting in safer and more reliable buying experiences.
Online shopping has evolved into an indispensable tool for customers, allowing them to buy things from the comfort of their own homes with a few clicks. While traditional malls and markets were previously the primary shopping destinations, the development of the Internet and e-commerce platforms has dramatically altered consumer behaviour. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube increasingly play an important role in both communication and direct product sales.
These platforms are commonly utilized for online marketing, with brands and small businesses advertising products—particularly viral items such as cosmetics, gadgets, apparel, and electronics—via influencer marketing, appealing advertisements, and discounts. While this encourages extensive online shopping, it also raises the risk of fraud, making it critical for consumers to be watchful.
Fake ads and misleading marketing – Fraudsters build visually appealing advertising and promote them on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. These advertisements promise significant discounts, miraculous results, or limited-time offers.
Fake Review and Influencer Promotions – Scammers utilise false customer reviews, good feedback, and influencer endorsements to gain confidence. Occasionally, AI-generated or altered photos and videos are used.
Attraction of Low-Cost Products and Fake Brands – Some fake vendors copy original brands by using identical packaging and trademarks. Consumers place orders based on low prices, but they receive poor-quality or completely different products.
Non-delivery or incorrect product sent – After payment, many times things are not delivered or completely different, low-value products are shipped. When customers attempt to complain, the website or seller abruptly disappears.
Fake Customer Support, No Refunds – Fraudulent businesses purposely do not supply working phone numbers or emails. Consumers are not provided an official option to request refunds.
Scammer Sites and Temporary Online Stores – Fraudsters develop temporary websites that expire after a few weeks. After a few days, the same folks resurface with a new name and brand to market again.
Payment and Data Theft – Fake vendors entice customers to pay on their websites, where bank information, credit card information, and personal data are compromised. Later, this information is sold to other scammers.
Fraud Even with “Cash on Delivery” (COD) – Some scammers advertise COD, but customers receive stones, papers, or empty boxes instead. Once money has been taken, it cannot be refunded.
Exploiting Trendy or Viral Products – Fraudulent vendors attempt to offer counterfeit products similar to new trendy items on social media. For example, newly popular electronics, exercise items, or cosmetics treatments that promise magical benefits.
Fake dropshipping stores – Some businesses promote on social media as “dropshipping”. After receiving orders, they ship inexpensive, low-quality products from China or other regions that take several weeks to reach consumers.
This mechanism is constantly evolving, with new types of fraud emerging on social media.
Check customer reviews – Examine both positive and negative feedback from actual customers. Be wary if all the reviews are extremely positive and similar.
Order from official websites – Avoid clicking on suspicious links and instead go to the brand’s official website; also, check the contact information.
Select Secure Payment Options – Use only reliable payment gateways (UPI, credit card, PayPal). Avoid making direct payments via GPay or Paytm. If feasible, choose COD.
Check website and brand authenticity – Check the website’s URL, corporate address, and customer service number. Fake websites frequently use improper spelling or questionable domains (.xyz,.top).
Verify Product Images – Use Google Reverse Image Search to see if the photographs used in advertisements appear elsewhere.
Check the pricing and validity of the offer – Unrealistically cheap pricing, “Limited Time Offer” or “90% Discount” indicate a significant risk of fraud.Â
Do not believe influencer marketing blindly – Even if an influencer endorses a product, check other reviews and consumer feedback.
Review customer complaints and refund policies – Ensure that the website offers a return policy. Fraudsters typically provide no refund or contact information.
Verify website domain age and credibility – Use WHOIS Lookup or other tools to determine how long the website has been in existence. Domain names that are new or have a brief lifespan are suspicious.
Take time to research – Instead of purchasing instantly after watching an advertisement, consider product reliability, price, and brand.
There has been a huge growth in the sale of counterfeit products on social media, resulting in more consumer fraud instances. Under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, every consumer is entitled to accurate information, fair treatment, and grievance redressal. If fraud happens, customers can file online complaints with the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) or the Cyber Crime Department.
Also, the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) monitors deceptive commercials, and consumers have the ability to file complaints about them. When shopping on social media, it is critical to verify products. However, if fraud occurs, legal avenues can give justice. Consumers should be informed of their rights, shop responsibly, and speak out against fraud.
To prevent falling victim to phoney products on social media, check the brand’s official website, read authentic customer feedback, and avoid unexpected links or questionable offers. Being knowledgeable makes it easier to detect counterfeit products.
With online purchasing dangers increasing, consumers should remain watchful, understand their legal rights, and report fraudulent conduct as needed. Legal professionals, such as Adv. Abdul Mulla, offer advice on safe practices and consumer protection through resources like www.asmlegalservices.in and www.lifeandlaw.in.
Adv. Abdul Mulla (Mob. No. 937 007 2022) is a seasoned legal professional with over 18 years of experience in advocacy, specializing in diverse areas of law, including Real Estate and Property Law, Matrimonial and Divorce Matters, Litigation and Dispute Resolution, and Will and Succession Planning. read more….
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