Overview
- Comedian Vir Das posted on social media that a smartwatch he ordered through Zepto for roughly ₹50,000 appeared counterfeit because the packaging read phrases such as “Designed by Watch in China” and lacked Apple branding.
- Das said Zepto customer support initially told him there was nothing they could do, which he described as a ‘full scam’ before the complaint drew wide public attention.
- Zepto responded publicly, asked for order details, arranged a reverse pickup and said it would investigate the item with its brand partners while reminding customers to check sealed boxes and use delivery OTPs for high‑value items.
- Hours later, Das posted an update saying Zepto contacted him, a genuine replacement watch was delivered, and he did not blame the delivery executive for the mixup.
- The episode renewed scrutiny of quick‑commerce apps selling expensive electronics because their fast supply chains and vendor mixups can let unauthorised or swapped products reach customers and complicate refunds and investigations.