Online shopping has become a part of everyday life, offering convenience, discounts, and doorstep delivery. But what if you receive a fake (duplicate) product instead of the original one you ordered?
Can you take legal action against an online seller or e-commerce company for selling counterfeit goods? ✅ Yes! Under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, Ajio, and Tata Cliq are legally required to sell only genuine products. If they deliver a fake, defective, or misleading product, you have the right to file a complaint, demand a refund, and even sue them for compensation!
In this blog, we will explain your legal rights, how to take action if you receive a fake product, and how to file a consumer court case for compensation. 🚀
What to Do If You Receive a Fake Product Online? 🤔
Gather Evidence – Take an unboxing video, keep the bill, delivery details, and chat records.
Contact Customer Support – Request a refund or replacement from the e-commerce platform.
Report to National Consumer Helpline (NCH) – If the company refuses to help, call 1800-11-4000 or file an online complaint.
Report to Cyber Crime Police – If the seller is fraudulent, report it on the Cyber Crime Helpline 1930.
File a Case in Consumer Court – If you suffer financial loss, file a case at www.edaakhil.nic.in and demand compensation.
📌 Example:
A customer ordered a ₹10,000 branded watch online but received a fake one. The company refused a refund. He filed a consumer complaint and won ₹50,000 compensation.
💡 What to Do? Don’t stay silent if you receive a fake product—take legal action!
Can You Sue an Online Seller for Selling Fake Products? ⚖️
Yes! Under Consumer Protection Laws and IT Act, 2000, you can file a legal case against online sellers.
✔️ E-commerce companies are responsible for ensuring only genuine products are sold.
✔️ If a seller delivers a fake item, it is considered fraud.
✔️ You can demand a refund, replacement, or compensation for damages.
✔️ Sellers cannot mislead customers—if the product is fake, they must clearly inform the buyer.
📌 Example:
A buyer purchased an Apple iPhone online, but received a duplicate Chinese model. He filed a consumer court case and won ₹1 lakh compensation.
💡 What to Do? If you receive a fake product, don’t accept it—take legal steps immediately!
Laws That Protect You from Fake Products in India 📜
1️⃣ Consumer Protection Act, 2019 –
✔️ Consumers have the right to genuine, safe, and quality products.
✔️ Selling fake products is considered unfair trade practice and is punishable by law.
2️⃣ Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860 – Sections 415 & 420 (Fraud)
✔️ Selling fake products is considered fraud and cheating, punishable with jail time and heavy fines.
3️⃣ IT Act, 2000 – Protection Against Online Fraud
✔️ E-commerce platforms are responsible if they knowingly allow the sale of fake items.
📌 Example:
A person bought a ₹25,000 branded handbag online, but it turned out to be fake. The consumer court ordered the company to pay ₹2 lakh fine + ₹50,000 compensation.
💡 What to Do? You have the right to sue companies that deliver counterfeit products and claim compensation for your loss.
How to File a Complaint & Get a Refund for a Fake Product? 🚨
1. Contact the E-Commerce Platform’s Customer Support 📞
✔️ Share order details and photos of the fake product.
✔️ Request a refund or replacement.
📌 If they refuse to help, move to the next step.
2. File a Complaint with the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) 📞
✔️ Toll-Free Number: 1800-11-4000
✔️ File an online complaint: www.consumerhelpline.gov.in
📌 Example:
A customer purchased ₹5,000 branded shoes online, but received fake ones. The company refused a refund. He filed an NCH complaint and got his money back within 10 days.
3. Report to Cyber Crime Police 🚔
✔️ If the seller is committing fraud, report it to Cyber Crime Police.
✔️ Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930
✔️ File an online complaint: www.cybercrime.gov.in
📌 If you are scammed by a fake online store, report it immediately.
4. File a Case in Consumer Court ⚖️
✔️ If the company refuses to refund your money, file a case in Consumer Court.
✔️ File an online complaint: www.edaakhil.nic.in
📌 Example:
A customer bought a ₹15,000 branded watch, but received a cheap fake. The company refused a refund. He filed a consumer case and won ₹75,000 compensation.
💡 Consumer court cases usually take 3-6 months to resolve.
How to Avoid Buying Fake Products Online? 🛡️
✔️ Shop only from trusted e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, and Ajio.
✔️ Check seller ratings, reviews, and feedback before purchasing.
✔️ Avoid deals that are “too good to be true” – extreme discounts can be a scam.
✔️ Check for official brand tags, barcodes, and packaging.
✔️ Use Cash on Delivery (COD) for expensive purchases.
📌 Example:
A customer saw an iPhone 14 for ₹10,000 on a shopping website. He checked reviews and found it was a scam, saving himself from fraud!
💡 Be smart while shopping online—if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!
Final Thoughts: Take Legal Action Against Fake Product Sellers! 💪
✔️ If you receive a fake product, don’t ignore it—take action immediately!
✔️ File a complaint with Consumer Helpline (1800-11-4000) and Cyber Crime (1930).
✔️ If your refund is denied, file a case in Consumer Court for compensation.
✔️ Always check seller details, reviews, and return policies before buying online.
📢 Help others become aware! Share this blog to spread awareness about consumer rights in India 🇮🇳!
💬 Have you ever received a fake product while shopping online? Share your experience in the comments!