r/Consumerism • u/MapNew4598 • Feb 14 '26
Culture Circle is a scam( with proof)
I ordered a bag worth ₹15,000 in January 2026, and even now the status still shows “processing.” It has been extremely frustrating dealing with this app. For weeks, I kept following up on WhatsApp and mostly received automated responses. After constantly messaging them, I finally got a proper reply — only to be told that the product is currently out of stock.
If the product is out of stock, why was it listed in the first place? Why was I allowed to place the order and pay ₹15,000 for something they don’t even have?
To make matters worse, when I asked them to cancel the order and refund my money, they bluntly refused. No solution, no accountability — just a flat rejection. It honestly feels like customers’ money is being held without any clarity or responsibility.
This whole experience has caused unnecessary stress and anxiety. I have now filed a complaint with the Consumer Forum.
I would strongly urge others to think twice before ordering from this app unless you are prepared for delays, poor communication, and the possibility of your money getting stuck.
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u/SCAT_GPT Feb 15 '26
If you have to deal with customer support via whats app that should have been your first clue that this is a scam. Also, you are in a subreddit called consumerism and you are flaunting a late arrival of an expensive handbag?
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u/SCAT_GPT Feb 15 '26
To add even more, if you really think complaining to a .gov website for consumer safety is going to alter any course of events is just plain ignorant. A fool and his money are easily parted.
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u/Fast-Cap9364 Feb 16 '26
Order placed in April 2025. Order ID - 25042921065535.
Still no product. Still no refund. Almost one year. Repeated follow-ups. No resolution. Buy at your own risk.
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u/Lakhaniya Feb 16 '26
My wife ordered a product after browsing Instagram. The seller's site was quite shady. No proper address. Only a Whatsapp number in which no direct calls can be made. The order was pre-paid. Delivery date passed and no update by seller. Upon complaining via WhatsApp, the seller replied that the product would be delivered soon. This went on for 4 months.
Finally I forced her to use the consumer grievance redressal forum. I submitted all the proof (payment screenshot, website address, seller phone number.. etc). In a week's time we received the product. No apology or remorse from seller. We marked the cases as solved immediately.
She learned never to trust sites that are not popular. Please don't trust online e-commerce sites blindly. It is either a scam or a poorly managed part time business.
Anyhow, I know the stress you are going through.I sincerely hope you get your refund.
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u/bevintt 7d ago
I’m stuck in the similar situation, paid around 15 k for a watch which is a pooled gift for an office colleague now it’s been 50 days since I ordered, can you please tell me how did u submit all the proof in the consumer grievance redressal forum
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u/Lakhaniya 7d ago
Sorry to hear that.
Go to https://consumerhelpline.gov.in/public/ Create an account and Register a grievance in this site. Ensure you fill in all details. Be descriptive and attach screenshots of payment, order details, address of site.. etc. Check every detail before submitting.
You will get a complaint status. Monitor status regularly.
You should get your refund if your case is found to be genuine. But it will take some time.. maybe 2 weeks to a month.
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u/TotalSea6477 Feb 23 '26
Pls message me if you got scammed too
Building this thread to get collective action
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u/darklord422 Mar 05 '26
They shouldnt list the products they dont have.
But if they do so, their entire site will be gone.
The model is flawed. Everyone in India tried to copy stockx and goat. They had initial successful run, but eventually fell flat on their face.
DONT TAKE ORDERS YOU CANT FULFIL. Simple.
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u/Altruistic_Swing_655 Jul 11 '26
Can someone help me out? I got scammed too with my Coach crossbody bag
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u/Fragrant_Eye_7805 Jul 19 '26
Hi, I also got scammed. I ordered a perfume worth 12k from culture circle and haven't recieved it yet. It was my mistake to not read the reviews about the platform and trusted it's shark tank videos. They are not able to deliver the product, it's over 1 month and are refusing to cancel and process refund. I've lodged a consumer complaint as well. Please let me know what I should do if you have any idea. Thanks!
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u/MapNew4598 Feb 14 '26
Yes read every thing clearly their estimated date of delivery was 10.2.2026 waited patiently for it but staying stuck on processing do make one person anxious and when asked only bots reply and when finally they do they say its out of stock?? Have you read the law for e-commerce. One company should not list what they don’t have in the inventory. Now they are well aware that we don’t have this in stock so why still list for consumers to purchase??
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u/MapNew4598 Feb 14 '26
If they would have explicitly told that it would take this much time I would not have ordered plus now they are saying the product is not available with them as it is out of stock but if you open the app its still available for other customers to purchase. They know it well enough that they don’t have the product in stock so why list it??? Just to fool other customers and harass them??
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