Every year in November, major companies around the world launch special sales with exclusive discounts on the occasion of “11.11,” where consumers can buy quality products at reduced prices.
However, in Pakistan, this occasion has become an opportunity for many fraudulent elements to make money by selling substandard, old, or counterfeit items to the public under the guise of “discounts.”
In Pakistan, the 11.11 sale by the country’s largest online shopping platform, Daraz, has once again come under public criticism. It has been claimed that, this year as well, numerous customers received substandard or incorrect products, while some lodged complaints about price manipulation.
According to consumers, the prices of many products were first increased and then shown as reduced under the name of discounts to create a false impression of price cuts.
Many users shared evidence of this deception on social media. Several compared the actual market prices of various brands with the “discounted” prices shown on Daraz, revealing that the products were, in fact, being sold at higher rates. Some users even said that the “11.11 sale” in Pakistan has turned into an “11.11 fraud.”
Analysts say this issue is not limited to Daraz alone but reflects a lack of transparency in Pakistan’s entire online shopping system. Fake websites, unverified sellers, deceptive photos, and counterfeit brands have become common tools to exploit buyers.
This fraud increases especially during major sales, as the public, lured by low prices, often shops without verifying the sellers.
Experts advise consumers to check a seller’s reviews, verification badges, and official store marks before making any online purchase. They recommend buying only from trusted and well-known companies’ official stores to avoid scams.
In the past, Daraz’s management has stated in response to such allegations that they respect consumer rights and verify all official stores. However, public complaints continue. This year as well, hundreds of consumers expressed their disappointment on social media during the 11.11 sale.
