Community › Forums › Legal Advice India › Scammed by Cell Buddy – Bought a Phone via WhatsApp, Now They’re Not Responding. What Can I Do?
- This topic has 23 replies, 13 voices, and was last updated 1 year, 3 months ago by
User_4a7dc14e.
-
AuthorPosts
-
-
UUser_4a7dc14e
PARTICIPANT
March 3, 2025 at 1:16 amHey everyone,I recently bought a phone from a website called Cell Buddy, which had both good and bad reviews. Their site only listed open-box phones, but when I contacted them via WhatsApp (the website redirected me to a WhatsApp), they told me that sealed new phones were only available through direct orders.
I went ahead and ordered a new phone from them, and the device was shipped from Mumbai to Bengaluru. Since I was away during the delivery, my neighbor paid via UPI (which I now realize was a huge mistake). When I finally got back and opened the box (I have video proof), I found that the phone was not working at all – it won’t even switch on.
Now, the seller isn’t responding on WhatsApp or calls. I only have their WhatsApp number and chat history as proof. Given the situation, I need some guidance:
• Since the phone was shipped from Mumbai to Bengaluru, should I file a complaint in Mumbai or Bengaluru?
• Is there any way to track them using the WhatsApp number or UPI details?
• How should I proceed legally? Should I go to the Cybercrime portal, Consumer Forum, or local police?
• I have a flight to London via Mumbai tomorrow morning – would it help if I file a complaint in Mumbai while I’m there?I know I messed up by ordering via WhatsApp and paying through UPI, but if there’s any chance to track them down or take action, I’d really appreciate any advice.
Thanks in advance!
-
PPrimedeepa9821
PARTICIPANT
March 3, 2025 at 1:33 amTake the phone to service centre and explain them the issue. They will check what’s wrong with the phone and tell you. Try calling CellBuddy or see where their official head office is. If nothing happens then move on since it’s not worth investing time and resources over this since nothing is going to happen.-
UUser_4a7dc14e
OP
March 3, 2025 at 2:37 amIts a well reputed website, can’t let them get away and I just couldn’t imagine moving on from this. I know my options are very slim. But I have to try something here ig-
PPrimedeepa9821
PARTICIPANT
March 3, 2025 at 3:59 amI have heard cellbuddy before, not sure how reputed it is. You need to try contacting them again from another number may be. Try all contact sources. Check where their official head office is.
-
-
-
PPrimevaishnavi8795
PARTICIPANT
March 3, 2025 at 1:57 amIt would be a hit or miss, with such companies. These companies can close their brand and immediately start with a new name. You can take it as a lesson learned.-
UUser_4a7dc14e
OP
March 3, 2025 at 2:39 amI understand, should’ve done more research. But I saw a lot a reviews before ordering.-
BBrighthero7316
PARTICIPANT
March 3, 2025 at 3:11 amYou do know reviews can be bought right?
-
-
-
MMegaaashish7438
PARTICIPANT
March 3, 2025 at 2:23 amCellbuddy is located in Malad Mumbai, I got a 12pro max from their shop a couple of years ago, I asked for a seal packed box and they provided which looked new. This was supposed to be a gift so I kept it sealed and when we opened the box, we got a second hand phone with a lot of parts replaced with cheap ones. Later I went to Apple Service Centre and they told me it would cost around 30K to fix all the things wrong with the phone. I was so pissed I went to Cellbuddy and spoke to the owner who handed me the phone the other day. I literally said them because of you guys my relationship is ruined with my finance. To owner took me to the corner and we sorted it out. He provided me a new seal packed 14. The best bet is you go there ASAP or give it to someone who stays here and tell them to get this done. Trust me those Cellbuddy guys are all goons and 90% of their products are repaired phones which they have marketed as new and affordable Iphones. Hope you get it replaced.-
UUser_4a7dc14e
OP
March 3, 2025 at 2:35 amThanks for the much needed insight sir, the problem is I’m in Bengaluru right now and I have a flight to London via Mumbai at 9 tomorrow, with less than 2 hours layover. Saw the distance to cell buddy and it’s not possible for me to return on time. I’m not sure about my options here. Should I file a complaint in Mumbai? Bought this for my mom for her Birthday and got embarrassed, can’t let them get away with it. Is there anything I can do online?-
FFiercesheela6871
PARTICIPANT
March 3, 2025 at 3:14 amFile a fraud case on consumer portal by goi-
UUser_4a7dc14e
OP
March 3, 2025 at 3:23 amSure, will do it right away
-
-
LLuckyishant8759
PARTICIPANT
March 3, 2025 at 4:27 amIf you know someone in Mumbai, you can give them the phone during the layover. -
SSwiftrupal4585
PARTICIPANT
March 3, 2025 at 5:44 amDon’t bother if you cannot yourself go there and work it out. This is not utopic India where you file a complaint and the authorities start working hard on the case and get you justice. -
MMegaaashish7438
PARTICIPANT
March 4, 2025 at 6:26 amNothing you can do about it TBH. At max if you keep contacting them with different phone numbers they might give you a replacement. Even then I am not sure about the quality of replacement. I also learned my lesson in a hard way but I bought from the store and went with a local friend of mine so they couldn’t do much.
-
-
-
BBrighthero7316
PARTICIPANT
March 3, 2025 at 3:12 amNo such thing as discounts son.-
UUser_4a7dc14e
OP
March 3, 2025 at 4:12 amNot just for the discount sir
-
-
SSalonipanther485
PARTICIPANT
March 3, 2025 at 3:42 amYou can file case in Bangalore also as part cause of action arose here. Both FIR and consumer case.-
UUser_4a7dc14e
OP
March 3, 2025 at 4:11 amSure, will do it.
-
-
UUser_d9f0ea9d
PARTICIPANT
March 3, 2025 at 4:24 amFile a cyber complaint with chargeback for the amount. Add ample proof so that their account is freezed -
CCoolfox832
PARTICIPANT
March 3, 2025 at 5:37 amYe chutiye aa kahan se jaate hain -
UUser_3caaa2bf
PARTICIPANT
March 3, 2025 at 6:28 amWhy do you ppl take these shortcuts? Why can’t you buy your phone from the Apple or Samsung retailer like a normal person?-
UUser_5aa2bd60
PARTICIPANT
March 4, 2025 at 10:40 pmIt’s cheaper-
UUser_3caaa2bf
PARTICIPANT
March 5, 2025 at 7:24 amIt’s the real price minus your assumed cost of risk. Too bad your risk assumption is way off.
Greedy ppl like OP should be scammed so they learn the hard way.-
UUser_4a7dc14e
OP
March 6, 2025 at 7:29 amI understand that you’re upset and want me scammed. The real reason I bought this from Cell Buddy is that the phone was discontinued in official stores, as it’s a 2022 model. I couldn’t find it anywhere online except for a few websites like this one. Despite being more expensive than other options, I chose this seller because it seemed like a lower-risk purchase(with good reviews).
-
-
-
-
-
AuthorPosts