Fake Apple Watch Delivered: Amazon Ordered to Refund ₹77,000 and Pay Compensation

After receiving a fake Apple Watch instead of the one she had ordered, a woman from Coimbatore won a consumer dispute case against Amazon and its seller Apario Retail Pvt Ltd. The e-commerce behemoth and its vendor have been ordered by the district consumer commission to return ₹77,000, in addition to ₹25,000 in compensation and ₹5,000 for legal fees.

The Origins of the False Apple Watch Case

S. Sridevi bought what she thought was an authentic Apple Watch on Amazon. When the product was delivered, though, she found it was a low-quality knockoff known as the Ultra 8, which worked without an iPhone—a blatant sign that it wasn't a genuine Apple product.

Upon contacting Amazon's customer service, the company dismissed her concerns regarding the counterfeit product and declined to offer a refund or replacement.

The Consumer Court Intervenes

Sridevi filed a complaint against Amazon and its seller with the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission after becoming frustrated with the lack of resolution.

The commission heard the case, found in her favour, and found Apario Retail and Amazon accountable for selling fake goods. The court also mandated the following in addition to the complete reimbursement of ₹77,000:

• Compensation for mental distress is ₹25,000.
• ₹5,000 for legal fees.

The Significance of This Decision

This case brings to light the growing concerns regarding the accountability of both marketplaces and third-party sellers, as well as counterfeit products on e-commerce platforms. The commission's decision reaffirms that online retailers need to be more accountable for guaranteeing the legitimacy of their products and protecting consumers.