7 Red Flags to Watch For When Buying a Professional Drone on Flipkart

7 Red Flags to Watch For When Buying a Professional Drone on Flipkart

The 'Low Price' Ad Redirect Scam

Be extremely wary of advertisements, especially on social media or search engines, that offer professional drones at unrealistically low prices, often with a ticking countdown timer. These ads may mimic Flipkart's branding but redirect you to a fake website designed to steal your payment details or personal information. Always verify the authenticity of the seller and the URL before proceeding.

Refurbished Drones Sold as New

Scammers may try to pass off refurbished or used professional drones as brand new. Look for signs of prior use, such as unsealed packaging, signs of wear and tear, or a battery that doesn't hold a charge. Check the drone's activation and warranty status; a brand new drone should not have any prior activation.

The Open-Box Inspection Swap

This scam involves delivery personnel or external parties intercepting a package, swapping the genuine professional drone with a counterfeit or damaged item, and then resealing the box. Some delivery agents may pressure you to accept the package without a thorough inspection or may even claim 'open box delivery' is not possible. Always insist on inspecting the drone thoroughly before accepting and signing for the delivery. If the delivery agent refuses or rushes the process, be suspicious.

Fake Courier OTP Request

Be cautious of delivery personnel who insist on an OTP for delivery. Legitimate services rarely require an OTP to hand over a parcel. Scammers might pose as delivery agents and send fake payment links or request an OTP under the guise of confirming the delivery, which can lead to unauthorized access to your phone or financial accounts.

Incorrect Item Return Fraud

This scam occurs when a seller or an external party manipulates the return process. They might receive a professional drone, then return an incorrect, faulty, or different item in its place. Always ensure the serial number and any unique identifiers of the drone match what you ordered when you receive it and before initiating a return. Document the condition of the drone thoroughly if you are returning it.

Counterfeit Product Bait

While less common for professional drones than other categories, there's a risk of receiving a counterfeit drone that may look similar but lacks the performance, safety features, and reliability of a genuine product. This can also extend to fake accessories or parts. Always purchase from authorized sellers or directly from reputable brands to mitigate this risk.

Verification and Secure Transactions

When purchasing a high-value item like a professional drone, especially in peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions, consider using a robust identity verification service. For items valued over $500, we recommend the Safe Trade Services Premium Plan, which offers enhanced verification to ensure the legitimacy of both the buyer and seller. For lower-value transactions, the Basic Plan can provide an added layer of security. This helps prevent fraud and builds trust in the transaction.