Answer By law4u team
Deceptive pricing refers to unfair practices where sellers display false or misleading price information to attract consumers. This may include hidden costs, fake discounts, inflated MRP, or bait pricing. Such practices violate the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 provisions on unfair trade practices and are punishable by law. Consumers have the right to file complaints and seek redressal including refund, compensation, and corrective action against such fraudulent pricing.
Common Forms of Deceptive Pricing
- Displaying higher original prices to show fake discounts
- Charging hidden fees not disclosed upfront (delivery, handling, taxes)
- Bait pricing: Advertising very low prices without actual stock
- False or ambiguous price tags
- Not updating prices after offers expire
Step-by-Step Procedure to File Complaint Against Deceptive Pricing
- Gather Evidence
Take screenshots or photographs of price tags, advertisements, bills, or online listings showing misleading pricing.
Keep the invoice or receipt reflecting the charged amount.
Note the date, time, and place of purchase. - Approach the Seller or Service Provider
Contact the seller or store manager and point out the discrepancy.
Request clarification, refund of overcharged amount, or correction in pricing. - File Complaint with Consumer Helpline or E-Commerce Grievance Cell
Use platform-specific grievance redressal if purchased online.
File complaint with consumer protection helplines or forums if no satisfactory response. - Send a Legal Notice
If the seller ignores or rejects your claim, send a legal notice through a lawyer demanding refund, compensation, and corrective action. - File Complaint in Consumer Forum
Prepare a detailed written complaint attaching all proof.
File it at the District, State, or National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission based on claim value.
Request refund, compensation for mental agony, and penalty against unfair trade practice.
Remedies Available
- Full or partial refund of overcharged amount
- Compensation for mental harassment and inconvenience
- Penalty or fine imposed on the errant seller or business
- Corrective orders to stop deceptive advertising
Important Points
- Complaints should ideally be filed within 2 years of the purchase.
- Keep all communication records with the seller.
- Use consumer awareness resources to avoid such traps.
Example
A consumer buys a washing machine online advertised at ₹15,000 with a 40% discount on an original price of ₹25,000. At checkout, hidden delivery and installation charges inflate the total to ₹18,000 without prior disclosure. The consumer contacts the seller but is denied refund on extra charges. The consumer files a complaint in the District Consumer Forum with screenshots of the original ad, payment receipts, and correspondence. The forum directs the seller to refund the hidden charges and pay ₹3,000 as compensation for unfair practice.
