Locanto is one of the leading online classified advertisement platforms, allowing users to buy and sell a variety of goods and services in multiple categories. While it has provided convenience to many users in India, the platform has also faced several complaints from consumers across the country. Issues such as fraud, deceptive ads, unsatisfactory customer service, and unsafe transactions have led to frustration among users.
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Common Locanto Complaints Faced by Indian Consumers
Locanto has provided a platform for users to engage in buying and selling second-hand items, seeking services, or even finding jobs. However, like any online platform, it is not without its flaws. Here are some of the common Locanto complaints faced by Indian consumers using Locanto:
- Fraudulent Listings and Scams: One of the most prevalent issues is the presence of fake listings. Many users report that they have been scammed by individuals who post fake advertisements, especially in the categories of job offers, online services, or product sales. Some sellers are accused of collecting payments upfront and not delivering the products or services.
- Inadequate Customer Support: Another complaint is the difficulty in reaching Locanto’s customer service. Many users report being unable to resolve their issues or get timely assistance from the support team. The lack of quick resolutions leads to more dissatisfaction.
- Unclear Return and Refund Policies: Locanto users have also raised concerns about ambiguous policies surrounding refunds or returns. In cases where products or services do not meet the expected standards, consumers are left with no clear solution, making the platform appear unreliable.
- Unsafe Transactions: Since Locanto is largely an online platform where buyers and sellers communicate and arrange transactions independently, many transactions are reported to be unsafe. Several users have experienced problems with counterfeit products, poor quality items, or simply being misled about the item description.
- Spamming and Inappropriate Ads: Another issue that Indian consumers have encountered is the occurrence of spam and inappropriate ads on the platform. Despite efforts to filter content, there are still many irrelevant or potentially harmful ads appearing.
- Technical Glitches: Some users have also complained about technical issues while using the Locanto website or mobile application. This includes problems with ad posting, errors in accessing accounts, or problems in managing listings.
Indian Case Studies on Locanto Complaints
Let’s dive into three case studies of Indian consumers who faced challenges while using Locanto.
Case Study 1: Fraudulent Job Listing in Delhi
Background: A job seeker in Delhi came across a job posting on Locanto for a marketing role at a reputed firm. The ad promised a high salary, benefits, and the opportunity to work with a leading company. After contacting the poster, the job seeker was asked to pay an upfront fee for processing and training.
Issue: After paying the required amount, the user never heard back from the so-called employer. Multiple attempts to reach the poster were unsuccessful. Upon further investigation, the job posting was found to be fake, and the user had lost the money.
Resolution: The user reported the incident to Locanto’s customer care but did not receive a prompt response. However, after escalating the matter and involving legal services, they were able to receive a partial refund. This highlights the importance of being cautious when encountering online job postings, especially those that require upfront payments.
Case Study 2: Inadequate Support in Chennai
Background: A Chennai-based consumer faced issues when they purchased a second-hand mobile phone from a seller on Locanto. The phone was described as “almost new” but turned out to have several technical problems.
Issue: Upon receiving the product, the consumer immediately contacted the seller, but there was no response. They then reached out to Locanto’s customer service, but the issue remained unresolved for several days. The lack of follow-up and clear communication from the platform’s support team caused immense frustration.
Resolution: The consumer escalated the matter through social media channels, garnering the attention of Locanto. The platform later intervened and facilitated a partial refund. However, the case highlighted the inefficiency of customer care in resolving issues in a timely manner.
Case Study 3: Scamming of a Seller in Bangalore
Background: A Bangalore-based seller listed a vintage motorcycle for sale on Locanto. After several inquiries, a buyer contacted the seller and negotiated a price. However, once the payment was made, the buyer disappeared, and the motorcycle was never collected.
Issue: The seller, who had not received payment in full before the transaction, was left without the motorcycle and had no recourse from Locanto. Despite reaching out to the platform for assistance, they were unable to resolve the issue quickly.
Resolution: The seller took legal action with the help of a legal service provider, which eventually led to the identification of the fraudster. This case reinforces the importance of securing payments and verifying buyers before finalizing any transactions.
Locanto’s Customer Care and Grievance Portal for Locanto Complaints
Locanto does provide customer support for users who face issues with their ads, payments, or user experience. Below is a summary of how to reach out to their support team and use the grievance portal:
- Customer Care Number: Locanto has a customer support helpline, but the number is often hard to find directly on the website. It’s best to contact them through the support sections on their website or app.
- Email Support: You can email Locanto’s support team at support@locanto.in. This address is where you can submit any complaints, request assistance with your account, or report a fraudulent listing.
- Grievance Portal: Locanto does not have a dedicated grievance portal for Indian users, but they encourage users to report any suspicious or inappropriate content via the platform’s “Report Abuse” feature. To access this, you can click the “Report” option on the specific ad that is causing issues.
- Physical Address: For any formalLocanto complaints, consumers can write to their Indian office:
- Locanto India
- No. 601, 6th Floor, DLF Tower, Okhla, New Delhi, 110020, India.
If users are facing difficulties getting resolution from Locanto, seeking legal assistance can help protect their interests and get timely resolutions.
How Kanoon360 Can Assist in Legal Matters
When dealing with fraud, scams, or unresolved complaints on platforms like Locanto, legal help can sometimes be the only way to ensure justice. Kanoon360 offers legal services to consumers facing issues with online platforms, including but not limited to fraud, deceptive listings, or contractual disputes.
Kanoon360 can help consumers in the following ways:
- Legal Advice: If you are uncertain about your rights or need guidance on how to approach a specific issue, Kanoon360’s team of legal professionals can offer expert advice.
- Filing Complaints: If you need to file a legal complaint against a seller or a platform, Kanoon360 can assist in drafting the necessary documentation and guide you through the legal process.
- Court Representation: In cases where legal action is required, Kanoon360 can represent you in court to ensure you receive the justice you deserve.
FAQs About Locanto Complaints
- What should I do if I encounter a fraudulent ad on Locanto? Report the ad immediately through the “Report Abuse” option on the ad page. You can also contact Locanto customer support to investigate the issue.
- How do I get a refund if I’ve been scammed on Locanto? Locanto does not directly handle refunds. You should first contact the seller to try and resolve the issue. If they do not respond, escalate your complaint to customer support or take legal action.
- Can I get help from Locanto if I’m a victim of fraud? Locanto offers basic support through their customer service channels, but for more serious issues, you may need to seek legal assistance, like from Kanoon360.
- Is there a way to contact Locanto customer service via phone? Locanto’s customer service phone number is not publicly available. You should contact them through their support email or website.
- How long does it take for Locanto customer service to respond? Response times vary, but many users report delays. It may take several days for Locanto to get back to you.
- Can I cancel my ad on Locanto after posting it? Yes, you can cancel or delete your ad at any time through your Locanto account settings.
- What should I do if I am unable to contact Locanto? If you are unable to reach Locanto customer support through normal channels, consider using social media to escalate the issue or seek help from a legal service like Kanoon360.
Conclusion
Locanto has become a popular platform for classified ads in India, but like any other online marketplace, it comes with its own set of challenges. Consumers often face issues related to fraud, customer support, and transaction security. If you find yourself in such a situation, it’s important to remain cautious and aware of your rights. For unresolved grievances, involving legal service providers like Kanoon360 can help navigate through legal options to protect your interests and get fair compensation.