Dubai banker orders iPhone for sister, gets plastic dummy instead
So when, on March 29, Dubai-based Indian banker Mohammad Sirajuddin placed an order for a new iPhone 16 Pro from an e-commerce platform, he felt he had hit the jackpot. When he ordered it, the Dh4,199 price was slightly cheaper than retail stores offered, with one-hour delivery to his doorstep in Deira.
Sirajuddin said, "It saved me from mall hopping. And because Eid is coming soon and immediately thought that would be a perfect present for my little sister in Hyderabad.
Not to open the sealed box, he did what many of us do — gave it to a friend travelling to India, so he can give it to his sister. However instead of the shiny Apple gadget, Sadia received a plastic dummy
Sirajuddin said, "My mom thought I was playing an April Fool's prank on her. I opened my mouth wide in disbelief when she rang to complain. I suggested that she send it back immediately.
When the financier complained to the platform, the latter instantly refunded the cash. However, Sirajuddin said the incident has embarrassed him.
Daruma has to say: “Its not the monetary part. Its a larger problem,' he said. “Gifts are frequently done for doorstep delivery, especially with salves going outside from Malaysia. Just picture the shame behind something like that, especially Eid."
E-commerce companies need to tighten their checks, said Sirajuddin.
An e-commerce platform spokesperson said that internal investigation is being conducted on the matter. At the time of filing this report, follow-up reminders had not elicited an official statement.
What Sirajuddin experienced is not an isolated incident. An online shopper in India recently opened his package of a new phone only to find a bar of soap and a packet of biscuits.
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