Consumer fraud / defective product

What to do when you receive defective goods or face unfair trade practices.

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Quick rights

  • Right to receive goods/services of proper quality and quantity.
  • Right to seek compensation for defective products or deficient services.
  • Right to be heard and redress through consumer forums.
  • No need for a lawyer to file consumer complaints.

What to do now

  1. Preserve all receipts, bills, warranty cards, and communication with seller.
  2. Send a formal complaint/notice to the seller/service provider.
  3. If unresolved, file a complaint on the National Consumer Helpline (1915) or consumer forum.
  4. For online purchases, also file on e-commerce platform's grievance portal.
  5. Consider approaching consumer court if the value justifies (District/State/National based on amount).

What NOT to do

  • Don't throw away packaging or receipts—you'll need them as evidence.
  • Don't accept verbal promises without written confirmation.
  • Don't miss limitation period (2 years from date of cause of action).

What you can say

“I received a defective product and want a replacement/refund as per Consumer Protection Act.”
“Please provide me with a written acknowledgment of my complaint.”
“I intend to escalate this to consumer forum if not resolved within 15 days.”

Emergency helplines

National Emergency
24x7
Call 112
NALSA / Legal Aid
Legal aid / advice referrals (availability varies by state).
Call 15100

Relevant legal provisions

No provisions linked for this scenario.