Advocate Mohini Priya, who specialises in consumer rights and practices in the Supreme Court, said there is need for awareness. “It is imperative to equip consumers with the discernment to distinguish between advertising flair and genuine substance, more so because most of them belong to the working class. Such advertisements transgress elemental consumer rights, including the right to accurate information, the right to choose, and the right to be safeguarded from unsafe products and unjust trade practices.”

Advocate Mohini Priya

First, go to police

Speaking on forums available to defrauded consumers, she said one can file a complaint with the local police, give them details of those involved and any evidence you may have. Police can file a complaint with the National Consumer Helpline and the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. Additionally, if the housing project was advertised or sold under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) (RERA) Act, 2016, a complaint can be filed with the State RERA authority.

Consumer forum/commission

If the financial loss suffered is significant, they can approach a consumer court. Depending on the value of the dispute, people can either file a complaint with the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum or the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, or the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. If an advertisement is suspected of violating this code, both consumers and the industry can file complaints with ASCI, which is a self-regulatory body. Apart from these legal actions, the consumer at his own end can attempt to gather all evidence, and refrain from making any more payments or transactions until the issue is resolved and you have received proper legal advice. In some cases, raising awareness about the scam through media outlets, social media, or online consumer forums can put pressure on the fraudsters and authorities to take action, explained Advocate Mohini.

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