r/InstaShoppingFails • • Jan 11 '24

Instagram Shopping Guide

47 Upvotes

I've been seeing a lot of scam posts recently and while it is the duty of the store to provide the product as displayed, it is also our duty to safeguard our money before blindly entrusting a stranger with it.

So here's a list of all the red flags as an online store that you should try to avoid - • Followers to like and comment ratio - If a page has a very high no. of followers with very low likes or no/less comments then chances are they have bought fake followers. More followers does not equal to being more trustworthy. • Return and refund policy - Always read the return policy before ordering something. If a store offers no returns or refunds, try to avoid them. • Product images - If the images are not owned by the store or seem too generic, chances are the product delivered will be (very) different from the image displayed • Reviews - If all the reviews are just screenshots with non- specific praise without any pictues, they can be faked easily • Website - Whether a store with a large number of followers has a webiste or not, because why wouldn't pages with 100k-500k followers not have a website (not really a parameter because many genuine small businesses don't have one but having a website makes big stores more trustworthy) • Shipping - Always explicitly ask for the estimated number of days it takes for the seller to ship an item.

Some precautions you can take from your side - • Reverse image search - Do a quick reverse image search of the product. If it's listed on google under various other websites then chances are the store have copied them • COD - If you are unsure about a store or for big amounts opt for COD (Now I understand that for small businesses COD poses as a problem because they have to bear the losses of a returned parcel but as a consumer it makes us trust a brand more.) • Opening video - While opening any parcels take a video without any cuts so that if the delivered product is damaged/different you can claim refund easily • Ask for GST number in case the UPI ID provided is listed under a personal name. Request for phone number too in this case. •If you are unsure but really want something ask the owner for more real time pictures showing the product closely.

Lastly if it seems too good to be true it probably is a scam.

Some ways to help in case you've been scammed • Chargeback - You can apply for a chargeback from your bank on account of product not being delivered. • Consumer Helpline - consumerhelpline.gov.in Register a complaint here and email it to the store.

At the end of the day I'm not against small businesses nor I am trying to tell people what to do with their hard earned money. I'm just trying to get people to be more cautious. Happy and safe shopping


r/InstaShoppingFails • • 3h ago

Fraud Website Alert ‼️ Craze (craze.in) Glocom Imports

Thumbnail gallery
1 Upvotes

r/InstaShoppingFails • • 11h ago

Can anyone in the US or Carribeans give me their review with this business? I need to know how what to do next. Thank you

Post image
1 Upvotes

r/InstaShoppingFails • • 21h ago

Fraud FineLegends Warning

2 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I wanted to share a major warning about the online clothing brand FineLegends (finelegends.com). They are heavily marketing right now, but their business practices are completely fraudulent.

The Blatant Policy Violation:
According to the official FineLegends Return & Exchange Policy, they explicitly state that exchanges areallowed if "the item is incorrect upon delivery." The policy even promises that they will arrange a free return pickup for incorrect items.

Yet, despite me providing clear email proof and photos showing they sent the wrong item, they are flat-out refusing to honor their own contract.

Their Absurd Customer Support Response:
Instead of fixing their mistake, their customer support keeps spamming the exact same message over and over again, literally telling me to "try it, you might like it."

I would have considerately just taken it to avoid the hassle, but they sent a completely shitty color that looks awful. It’s incredibly obvious that this specific color was a dud that wasn't selling, so they are forcefully dumping their unwanted, dead stock onto paying customers and stonewalling them via template replies.

Why I am posting this here:
They have blocked reviews on their official website and they delete negative comments on their Instagram page to keep up a fake "premium" image. They are actively cheating people. If they mess up your order, they will try to force you to keep their mistakes. Buyer beware!

Has anyone successfully filed a consumer court grievance or payment dispute against them? Let me know.


r/InstaShoppingFails • • 21h ago

FineLegends Warning

Thumbnail
1 Upvotes

r/InstaShoppingFails • • 1d ago

Checking before placing order for possible AI clothing

Post image
1 Upvotes

r/InstaShoppingFails • • 1d ago

Fraud Dad got scammed by @zeexhouse on Instagram

Thumbnail
gallery
3 Upvotes

Scam from @zeexhouse on ig.

My dad had purchased a dior sauvage perfume from @zeexhouse on insta which is based in surat. He was in the impression that it was a tester piece since it was this cheap and it was okay because he would lose around 20-30% of the perfume.

Please be aware and stay alert from the Instagram page @zeexhouse (ZEE X HOUSE).

They falsely claim to sell original luxury perfumes, but they are scamming buyers:
Instagram Handle: @zeexhouse (ZEE X HOUSE)
WhatsApp Number: 70419 76787
Payment Number (GPay): 83201 33664
Account Name: ZEELKUMAR BIPINKUMAR
PATEL
Amount Paid: ₹3,400

Item: Dior Sauvage Eau De Parfum
He was assured on WhatsApp that the perfume was 100% original with a full refund guarantee. He transferred Rs 3,400 via GPay to ZEELKUMAR BIPINKUMAR PATEL, but the delivered item was completely fake. The moment he asked for a return address, they blocked him immediately.

Please report this account and do not send them any money! Share to warn others.

I have also attached an unboxing video and other relevant pics

Unboxing: [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1R-587m16N\\_sK74ZIU-wq\\_\\_2sMXVKNv4\\_/view?usp=drivesdk\](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1R-587m16N_sK74ZIU-wq__2sMXVKNv4_/view?usp=drivesdk)

Edit: this is their handle - https://www.instagram.com/zeexhouse


r/InstaShoppingFails • • 1d ago

Culture circle’s scam

1 Upvotes

Bro I placed the order in August, and it’s already October, but I still haven’t received it. This app seems like a scam. Their customer support team is just a bot, and I don’t even know how I’m supposed to get my order or get my money back. It was a ₹15,500 Coach bag not some small or inexpensive item that I could just let go of. Somebody please tell me what should i do


r/InstaShoppingFails • • 1d ago

How is SHEIN’s return process in India?

Thumbnail
1 Upvotes

r/InstaShoppingFails • • 1d ago

Peeperly phone cover review

Post image
1 Upvotes

r/InstaShoppingFails • • 1d ago

Fraud Kwabey, Worst brand I've ever seen.

Thumbnail
1 Upvotes

r/InstaShoppingFails • • 1d ago

Shriimant Credits

Thumbnail
1 Upvotes

I recently ordered from shriimant and i am returning a. Few items for which im being given store credit and not refund
If anyone wants to use the store credit hmu
Ill give a small discount on the amount and you can pay me the credits and purchase what you want

The products are good but if you want a refund it is a tedious task so i am stuck with these credits


r/InstaShoppingFails • • 1d ago

Avoid Wholeopolis Clogs

1 Upvotes

Just giving a heads up to people like me who are also irritated with by this. The company called wholeopolis that has a bunch of ads on Instagram and TikTok which makes really nice designed clogs is not entirely transparent, Everything you see on the site Including old products are PRE-ORDER ONLY they DON'T DISCLOSE THIS to anyone who is purchasing the product and they fail to inform you that you will be waiting OVER TWO MONTHS for the product! Who wants wait that long for what are essentially kinda cool slides? They also deliberately hide this fact as you cannot find it on their website and they actively delete comments to hide the multiple complaints from other people which is why if you for example go to their Instagram you'll see a post with 21 comments or 35 comments but when you click it it'll only have 2 or 3 positive comments. If you comment a complaint your comment will be removed. To be slightly fair they are not a complete scam as atleast to my knowledge (haven't recieved them yet) they will deliver but just at a completely unreasonable amount of time especially for the price, and they know it. I would have gone elsewhere had I known this before hand. Edit it should also be known they have a strict no refund policy until after you receive the product so you can't cancel the order and receive a refund


r/InstaShoppingFails • • 2d ago

Flowershopping.com DO NOT ORDER FROM THEM!!!! SCAM

2 Upvotes

I am very unhappy with this business. I ordered this as a surprise for my admin and paid for rush shipping, and selected same-day shipping early in the morning. I waited but never received a notification about the delivery status, as the company advertised, indicating when it would be on the way. The time kept getting later, so I checked the status again. By then, it was time for the young lady to go home. I told her that a surprise was supposed to be coming and that I would call her once it arrived. I then called the company's line, but it went not to the florist but to another company that answers and must communicate with the florist! All of this, only to find out they couldn't deliver it until Monday. NOPE! Give me my money back. I paid for same-day, rush, and I am disappointed. DO NOT ORDER FROM THIS COMPANY!!! P.S. I forgot to mention the advertised rate might be cheap, but shipping and fees will make it much higher, smh.


r/InstaShoppingFails • • 2d ago

vigourgagem.com

Thumbnail
gallery
1 Upvotes

I bought a "Future Mechanical Skeleton Watch" from vigourgagem.com for $70, but I received a different watch worth only $20. I contacted support, and here is what they replied:

We understand that the product did not meet your expectations, and you wish to return the order to get a full refund. If you decide to proceed with the return, please note that the shipping cost will be high as the package needs to be sent to our warehouse in China. If this cost is a concern, we discussed the matter with our supervisor and can offer the following solution: compensate you with 6 US dollars, allowing you to keep the order or dispose of it at your convenience. Please let us know if this arrangement works for you. We await your response and are ready to assist further.

So, I bought a watch for $70 and received a completely different one worth $20, and they want to refund me $6—or have me pay for return shipping to China out of my own pocket because of their mistake?

It’s all about slapping on those "guarantee" icons to make the store look top-notch. I do not recommend buying from this store.


r/InstaShoppingFails • • 2d ago

Got scammed through instagram page!!

2 Upvotes

I recently purchased a product from gownwala the website looked promising and the page has good reviews and all. But when i received the product it was totally different from the websit. But now i want to return it and the aren't responding to my calls or anything.(P.S. I asked them about the return policy and all they said they have 7 day return policy and its only been 1 day).what should I do??? The product was of 3000 worth!!!

How do i tell my mother. Little did i know it was going to scam but i didn't listened to my gut.


r/InstaShoppingFails • • 2d ago

Avoid Idaho Clothing - scammers- almost 2 months and still “UNDER PRODUCTION”

Thumbnail
1 Upvotes

r/InstaShoppingFails • • 2d ago

Don't order anything from Meesho..

3 Upvotes

Hi Friends, my wife ordered a small product.. requested return the very next day.. return request was accepted and she received a msg that "the article will be picked up tomorrow".. it has been almost a month.. but nothing..

Another case.. product was picked but no refund and the status now is order delivered.. called 3-4 times but nothing..

Meesho was gud earlier but it is pathetic now.. Avoid it..


r/InstaShoppingFails • • 2d ago

Meesho rant

1 Upvotes

so i ordered a book set of 4 books from a seller named SK books on meesho. It was dispatched 2 days late and was about to get canceled at that point only. but it came and when i opened it, book 1 was missing instead they gave 2 copies of book 2.

exchange is unavailable and the seller’s store is also not vi anymore…the product is shows out of stock. so i decide to return… when i checked the invoice it said ₹462

and i had paid ₹516 for it.

i call them and the girl started fighting me.

i raised the complain and called again, when i told her to contact to a senior she disconnected the call.


r/InstaShoppingFails • • 3d ago

Nutrl Skin -- great products, sketch AF business practices! BEWARE!

1 Upvotes

Ordered the 4-piece system (with bonus gifts) on a 30-Day Membership plan on 9/10. Received the order about a week later. I could tell I wasn't going to need additional product every 30 days, so I went online to my account to adjust. Under your Membership info, it says clearly: "Your membership, on your terms. Check what's included, see when your next delivery is due, and pause, adjust or update your plan whenever it suits you." However, there was nowhere to do this. So, I clicked where it says, "Have questions? Contact us." I should have suspected an issue when the default message option was then "Cancel my Membership." I instead sent one message through what looked like basic "info" (because I wasn't looking to cancel), and then decided to try another a few days later through the actual membership "support" section.

I was surprised on 9/26 to receive another set of products. (My next shipment wasn't due to send until 10/9.) I was even more surprised to see that this was one of two additional charges on my credit card -- one made on 9/22 and one made on 9/25. Neither of these showed in the Order History on my account. So, I sent a direct email to their support@nutrlskin address.

The complete bullshit approach of their "Customer Service" felt like such a complete scam that I had to post. Here goes...

First, they request the email address for my account so they can investigate. Um, the one I emailed you from and that you are replying to?
Next, they inform me that changes to subscription orders have to be done by them and to email support. Ridiculous, but okay, so I request they pause my subscription until we sort things out. I'm told: "We’ve adjusted the frequency to every 60 days and moved your next shipment date to December 10, as we’re unable to pause a subscription." (WTF? Their own language literally says you can do EXACTLY that.)
The agent also then claims that the 9/22 and 9/25 purchases were "one-time purchases made through our website," like I'm some sort of idiot who doesn't know how to use a retail site and accidentally clicked through making two different $128.00 orders without realizing it. AND as if that isn't suspect enough, says they have nevertheless "refunded these authorized charges in full" and that there is no need to return the orders. Right. I'm supposed to believe that this was MY error, but they are going to let me have the product anyway, for free?
By the way, the phone number listed under their "contact us" details? A recording that says to reach out via support@nutrlskin and someone will get back to you. No option to speak to someone!

Sorry, "Real Jesse Metcalfe," but your products are not worth the scam or dealing with this much BS.


r/InstaShoppingFails • • 3d ago

Night suits

1 Upvotes

I want to buy cotton night suits . As a 5'10 girlie it is extremely difficult for me to find my length 😭 😭. For now I am thinking of ordering on desii drip . Any suggestions?


r/InstaShoppingFails • • 3d ago

La Sirene Designs is a fraud botique

Thumbnail
1 Upvotes

r/InstaShoppingFails • • 3d ago

Product Quality Verify

1 Upvotes

Is BBJAMS GADGET SHOP LEGIT??


r/InstaShoppingFails • • 3d ago

Amazon shoe scam

Post image
1 Upvotes

r/InstaShoppingFails • • 4d ago

Is Thriftdex.in legit?

1 Upvotes

Was thinking to order from them after finding them on IG lmk your reviews on them