Jun 04, 2017 02:05 PM
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(Updated Jun 04, 2017 02:06 PM)
BEWARE of Fraud by internet based Interior Design company - SHEERFISH, Bangalore.
Home Interior design industry is turning out to be a money spinner in India due to rising income levels. I am talking big money, tpical bills can range 7 - 25 lakhs. Several web-based startups like Sheerfish has jumped to make quick bucks. I have severely burnt my fingers and would like to share the modus operandi of this/similar fraudulent company for you to be cautious. Red flag Pointers are:
These factory based interior design company will charge more than 50% in advance. Remember any industry that demands large advance can/will misuse their vantage position e. g. Real estate. Factory based also means you are paying for things that you don't see till the very end.
Fraud and con artists appear innocent and can read your mind. Gaining your trust is their best first step and then nurturing a dream home in your mind will be the second. Tags like'I am from IIT' (Read: holier than cow) should not let your guards down and you should continue to be suspicious of the lofty claims.
An agreement or MOU will be innocently pushed claiming this to be required as per company law. Later this agreement will become your albatross since the scope of work will be vaguely worded e. g. all Hettich fitting. Actually Hettich channels/hinges prices can vary by 2-10times. Visit Hettich online site. Also the Payment terms will heavily in favour the company.
Your project will be deliberately delayed so you panic, especially if you want to move into your house. This is the time when these thugs will start pushing substandard, poorly designed, misfit items in your house. By this time you would have likely paid 75% of an already inflated bill.
At this point of time two things can happen(a) you can accept the cheap stuff by paying the remainder bills - a clear win for them
(b) you may argue and ask them to return these items. In second case they will likely file a false Police complaint to put pressure on you. Any which ways it's a win for these fraudsters.
After experiencing the worst nightmare(monetary loss, no place to live, facing the Police); My suggestion is to completely avoid web based startups like Sheerfish. On the Internet lots of things can be faked - cool website, pictures, award claims, reviews etc. The old fashioned word of mouth reference from friends is the way to minimize the risk in Interior work. Please share with your friends and family who wants to get their house interior done without being duped.
