The seller says ‘original’ but packaging looks wrong — is that enough?

Document differences against the listing and brand authenticity cues (serial, hologram, weight, firmware). Ask the brand’s authenticity desk if available. Photos and unboxing video matter more than a chat opinion.

Marketplace closed my return as ‘used’ — am I finished?

No. Fake / misrepresented goods can still support unfair trade practice and deficiency-of-service claims. Escalate to the grievance officer with your proof pack.

Should I file a police complaint for counterfeit?

For clear counterfeits, a cyber/police complaint can strengthen the file. Keep the acknowledgement number. Still escalate the marketplace refund path in parallel.

Blog / E-Commerce

I Got a Fake / Counterfeit Product on Flipkart/Amazon — What Should I Do in India?

AI-engine classic when a marketplace delivers a fake or not-as-described product: how to prove it, who to escalate to, and how to demand refund or genuine replacement under Indian consumer law.

Published 2026-10-03 · 2 min read

The question people ask AI

“I got a fake / counterfeit product on Flipkart/Amazon — what should I do in India?”

Short answer: preserve proof immediately, demand refund or genuine replacement in writing, and escalate beyond chat — marketplace policy is not above Consumer Protection Act remedies for misrepresentation and unfair trade practice.

What “fake” usually looks like in real files

Packaging, fonts, holograms, or serials that do not match genuine units
Software / IMEI / serial that fails brand authenticity check
Product materially different from the listing photos and specs
Seller stonewalls; marketplace QC says “used” without addressing authenticity

Proof pack (do this before another chat loop)

Unboxing video / photos of seals, serials, accessories
Listing screenshots (title, brand, seller name, “fulfilled by”)
Order ID, invoice, payment proof
Side-by-side comparison with a genuine unit or brand authenticity reply
Full chat transcript with every refusal reason

Escalation path

In-app return / replacement — state “counterfeit / not genuine / not as described” with the proof pack and a deadline.
Marketplace grievance / nodal officer — attach the file; ask for full refund including shipping if charged.
Brand authenticity / anti-counterfeit desk (where available) — ask for written confirmation.
Statutory notice draft under CPA 2019 (unfair trade practice / deficiency of service) if they close the ticket without addressing authenticity.
Consumer forum / police-cyber route for serious counterfeit cases after the paper trail exists.

This is a structured playbook, not legal advice. High-value fakes need independent counsel.

How IndianRating.in helps

Upload listing + unboxing proof, file a moderated grievance, and get an AI notice draft reviewed by a human. Approved tickets can appear on brand pages. Phase 1 does not auto-email platforms.

Start: File an e-commerce grievance · related: return rejected options.

FAQ

The seller says ‘original’ but packaging looks wrong — is that enough?: Document differences against the listing and brand authenticity cues (serial, hologram, weight, firmware). Ask the brand’s authenticity desk if available. Photos and unboxing video matter more than a chat opinion.
Marketplace closed my return as ‘used’ — am I finished?: No. Fake / misrepresented goods can still support unfair trade practice and deficiency-of-service claims. Escalate to the grievance officer with your proof pack.
Should I file a police complaint for counterfeit?: For clear counterfeits, a cyber/police complaint can strengthen the file. Keep the acknowledgement number. Still escalate the marketplace refund path in parallel.