Meesho Scam: Unveiling the Dark Side of India’s Low-Cost eCommerce Platform

Introduction: A Growing Concern

Meesho, an eCommerce platform that has gained popularity for its low-cost offerings, has recently come under scrutiny due to a series of scams that have left numerous buyers in India feeling victimized and financially disadvantaged. This alarming trend has raised concerns about the platform’s ethical practices and consumer protection. In this exposé, we shed light on the common scams associated with Meesho and offer guidance on how to protect oneself from falling prey to these deceptive practices.

The Common Meesho Scams:

Buyers on Meesho have reported falling victim to a range of scams, including:

1. Empty Box: Some buyers receive parcels that appear sealed but contain empty boxes, with no sign of the ordered product inside.
2. Wrong Product: Instead of the product they ordered, buyers may receive an entirely different item, rendering their purchase useless.
3. Used Item: Shockingly, some buyers report receiving used or damaged items, a far cry from the brand-new products they expected.
4. Cheap Quality Product: Meesho customers have also voiced concerns about the inferior quality of certain items received.

How the Scam Operates:

Meesho employs a strategy that may catch buyers off guard. Here’s how it works:

1. Prepaid or COD Order: Meesho may initially offer a slight discount on prepaid orders, but buyers can opt for Cash on Delivery (COD) for added security. However, Meesho frequently ships orders using Shadowfax, a courier service with a questionable reputation.
2. Delivery Process: When the Shadowfax delivery person arrives, they may insist on receiving payment before allowing buyers to inspect the package. This approach leaves buyers with little opportunity to verify the contents.
3. Discovering the Scam: After payment is made, some buyers subsequently discover that they have fallen victim to a scam, receiving empty boxes, wrong items, used goods, or low-quality products.
4. Dealing with Meesho Support: Reaching Meesho’s customer support can be a daunting task. In cases of scam, support agents may blame the buyers, accusing them of fraudulent behavior. They might also refuse to accept images or videos as evidence of the wrongdoing.
5. Lack of Escalation Matrix: Meesho’s absence of an escalation process makes it challenging for aggrieved buyers to take further action against unsupportive or unresponsive customer service.

Protecting Yourself from Meesho Scams:

Safeguarding oneself against Meesho scams requires vigilance and proactive steps:

1. Uninstall Meesho: If you suspect fraudulent practices or have fallen victim to a scam, consider discontinuing the use of the Meesho platform.
2. Use a Credit Card: When making payments on eCommerce platforms, it’s advisable to use a credit card. Credit card companies often offer chargeback options in case of scams or disputes, providing an additional layer of protection for buyers.