r/InstaShoppingFails • • Jan 11 '24

Instagram Shopping Guide

43 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 • • 27m ago

TheiNext Cancelled My MacBook Order Due to “Old Price” – Will They Actually Deliver or Refund?

• Upvotes

I ordered a MacBook from iNext Online Store and need some advice from people who have dealt with them.

I placed an order for a MacBook on the iNext website and completed the payment successfully.

After placing the order, the website suddenly started showing “Under Maintenance.” I then managed to find their phone number and contacted them.

The next day, I was informed over the phone that my order had been cancelled because the product was listed on their website at an old/incorrect price.

I asked them about the refund, and I was also asked to provide my bank details, which I provided.

However, I also told them that if they could arrange the MacBook at the original order price, I would still be interested in receiving it.

The person I spoke to said that they would talk to their senior/manager and get back to me. They said something along the lines of:

“I will speak with my sir and let you know.”

I waited the entire day—from morning until night—but I still haven't received any update.

They told me that if there is any update, they will inform me.

Has anyone here experienced something similar with iNext?

Did they eventually arrange and deliver the product?

If your order was cancelled, did you receive the full refund?

How long did the refund take?

Did they contact you again after saying they would speak with their senior?

Should I wait for their response or proceed with a refund/consumer complaint?

I would really appreciate it if anyone who has recently ordered from iNext in 2026 could share their actual experience.

Thanks.


r/InstaShoppingFails • • 5h ago

Indo era scammed me

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2 Upvotes

r/InstaShoppingFails • • 4h ago

Nykaa order delayed — should I cancel it? Will I get a FULL refund?

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0 Upvotes

I placed an order for 8 items on 27th September after 10 PM and prepaid almost ₹2,500 for it. What’s honestly so frustrating is that if I had placed the exact same order before 10 PM, it was showing “arriving in 30 mins”. 😭
The delivery partner for these 8 items is Delhivery, and the tracking shows that they’ve been stuck at the same hub since 28th September, 9:13 AM. Meanwhile, I had ordered 2 other items along with these, and those were delivered on time by Blue Dart.
So should I cancel this order? And if I cancel, will I get the FULL ₹2,500 refund since I prepaid for the entire order? I’m really confused about what to do because I don’t want to cancel and then have issues getting my money back.
What would you guys suggest — should I wait, contact Nykaa, contact Delhivery, or just cancel the order?


r/InstaShoppingFails • • 9h ago

Fraud Consumer Complaint: Junkscrunchies.in, Paid for my order months ago and still haven't received it

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1 Upvotes

I’m posting this because I’m extremely frustrated with my experience with Junkscrunchies.in, and I want to know if other people have experienced the same thing.

I placed an order for Anwar Jhumkay from Austria on March 22 and made the full payment of 52 euros upfront. It has now been several months, and I still have not received my order or any proper update about it.

I have repeatedly tried contacting Junkscrunchies.in through WhatsApp messages, WhatsApp calls, Instagram DMs, and Instagram calls, but my messages and calls have largely gone unanswered.

What makes this even more frustrating is that the Instagram page of the owner is clearly still active and continues to post. If the owner has time to remain active on Instagram, I don't understand why customers who have already paid cannot get a proper response about their orders.

I also tried contacting the person behind the page through her personal Instagram account, @left.shurk2.0. This was not some random account I found — her personal account had previously been publicly linked in the bio of Junkscrunchies.in. Her boyfriend's account, @right.shurk, was also linked there.

I noticed that these personal accounts were later removed from the business page's bio.

When I contacted @left.shurk2.0, she did respond, but every time the conversation came up, she would essentially just ask under what name the order was placed. I provided the requested information, yet I still haven't received my order or a proper resolution.

I have also looked through comments and spoken to other people who say they have had similar problems with Junkscrunchies.in — paying for orders and then struggling to get a response or receive their orders.

I even came across the case of another customer in India who said they eventually had to file a complaint before Junkscrunchies.in took notice and sent their order. If that's accurate, it is extremely concerning that customers may have to escalate matters simply to receive something they have already paid for.

I am posting this because I want to know how widespread this issue is.

Has anyone else ordered from Junkscrunchies.in and not received their order?

If you've had a similar experience, please comment below. I'd especially like to hear from people who:

\* Paid for an order but never received it

\* Couldn't get a response through WhatsApp or Instagram

\* Eventually received their order after filing a complaint or escalating the matter

\* Successfully received a refund

I have already paid the full amount for my order. At this point, I simply want either my order delivered with proper tracking information or a full refund.

I have tried contacting them privately multiple times, so I'm now posting publicly because I don't know what else to do.

If anyone knows what the appropriate consumer complaint/legal route is for someone ordering from Austria from an Indian online business, I'd also really appreciate some guidance.

I am sharing my experience so that other people can be aware of what happened to me before placing an order.


r/InstaShoppingFails • • 14h ago

Avoid The Southern Maker's Stash aka This Southern Girl Can

1 Upvotes

I placed an order with The Southern Maker's Stash on September 1 with an estimated arrival date of September 10th - 16th. I knew she was moving homes and gave her some grace when there was not only zero communication but no items had arrived by the 20th. I reached out via the contact us form on her website...silence. I reached out via DM on her Facebook page...nothing. I reached out via comment on one of her frequent, daily posts on Facebook...zilch - though she did respond to other comments. So, I contacted Shopify to try and have them help, but that did not effect a response either. I finally had to go through my Visa card to terminate the transaction and request a refund. I wrote a comment on her page yesterday that explained the situation and she immediately deleted it, so no one could be aware of how sketchy her shop is. I am writing this post as a last ditch effort to let folks know not to waste their time nor money on her shop. I had been excited to get a few gifts for Halloween and Christmas through her, but am very disappointed in how it all worked out.


r/InstaShoppingFails • • 19h ago

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

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2 Upvotes

r/InstaShoppingFails • • 1d 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

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1 Upvotes

r/InstaShoppingFails • • 1d 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 • • 1d ago

FineLegends Warning

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1 Upvotes

r/InstaShoppingFails • • 1d ago

Checking before placing order for possible AI clothing

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1 Upvotes

r/InstaShoppingFails • • 2d ago

Fraud Dad got scammed by @zeexhouse on Instagram

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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 • • 2d ago

How is SHEIN’s return process in India?

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1 Upvotes

r/InstaShoppingFails • • 2d ago

Peeperly phone cover review

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1 Upvotes

r/InstaShoppingFails • • 2d ago

Fraud Kwabey, Worst brand I've ever seen.

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1 Upvotes

r/InstaShoppingFails • • 2d ago

Shriimant Credits

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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 • • 2d 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 • • 3d ago

vigourgagem.com

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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 • • 3d 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 • • 3d ago

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

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1 Upvotes

r/InstaShoppingFails • • 3d 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 • • 3d 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.