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Know About Consumer Frauds Before Travelling in Mumbai
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According to the Fraud Insight Report 2017, India ranks fourth amongst the countries in the Asia Pacific region. Guess what can be the reason for this? Digitization! Digitization has taken a rapid pace in the last few years. Due to which people have become careless while handling their bank accounts or making online payments.

Since most people do online shopping, they get easily trapped in consumer fraud. It indicates a big gap between perception and truth. The lack of knowledge of what happens around them, or the actual truth or fraud occurrences around them, should not at all be ignored. Getting the correct information from sources before taking a step can only save one from getting into unnecessary trouble.

What are consumer frauds?

These days, people travel a lot. With the lockdown coming to its end, as it seems currently with no hint of the delta variant, people are coming out of their homes and planning their trips. With the increase in travellers, there is a certain amount of addition in the frauds as well.

Consumer fraud is a type of fraud where the consumers become victims of physical, financial or mental loss. Consumers are vulnerable to the information or the things that happen around them. Therefore, they become victims of such frauds.

What is the most common type of consumer fraud?

According to a survey by the Economic Times in 2019, email phishing, deceiving apps, discount scams, phoney online stores, fake charities, fake gift cards, SIM jacking and shipping notification scams are a few common ways that make people prey.

Other types of common frauds are:
- Pickpockets at crowd place
- Identity theft
- Credit/debit card fraud
- Prize or lottery fraud
- Mortgage fraud
- Taxi/auto scam or pre-paid taxi scam
- Unofficial tourist guides
- Unofficial high-bar-tip fraud
- Train ticket fully booked/office-close scam
Why do tourists become the prey?

Sometimes in the zeal of travelling, people tend to forget to check the details of the tourist location, place, charges, service, hotel location, payment methods, etc. That is why they fall into the mouth of the predators easily. Human nature is easy to convince when it sees a handsome discount. But that should not happen!

The most common seasons when the tourists fall prey are the festive days. Without giving a second check to the other hotels, services, they book their schedules and easily get caught by the hands of the criminals. Criminals tend to take out innovative ways to loot such tourists who obey them without creating much nuisance.

The shoppers tend to take most taxes in the name of discount and price the same product three to four times its original price that people think is in their budget. They get easily fooled and manipulated by these tactics, due to which criminals gain the confidence to loot other customers.

How to report consumer frauds?

One can directly report to the head office of the Maharashtra Tourism Department Corporation Limited here:

Apeejay House, 4th Floor, 3 Dinshaw Vachha Road, Near K.C. College, Churchgate, Mumbai 20. CIN: U99999MH1975SGC018086. Tel No: (022) 22044040 Or can call the toll-free number 1800-229930 (9:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.).

One can find the list of all the regional offices of Maharashtra here: https://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/mtdc/contact-us

Under the Consumer Protection Act 2019, consumers can report frauds through National Consumer Helpline number 1800114000 OR 14404. The number is reachable on all days except National holidays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

One can sign up via NCH ‘Jago Grahak Jago’ app available here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=mount.talent.mtcdev02.udaan After signing up, a consumer can log in with their credentials and can report the complaint.

Use the Consumer app for reporting the case: https://consumerhelpline.gov.in/apps/consumerapp/. This app is regulated by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.

One can also register a grievance using the Umang app: https://consumerhelpline.gov.in/apps/umang/.

One can mail to the Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs on this mail: uscpu-ca@nic.in.

One can file a complaint by signing up and logging in at http://gama.gov.in. Using your ID and password, file a complaint with the evidence you have.

One can also file a complaint at the nearest Grahak Suvidha Kendra or a designated Voluntary Consumer Organization (VCO). The staff over there will complain and will send the notice to the Government from your side.

Some guidelines mentioned by the experts are:

One must ask for an invoice slip after making a purchase.
If you sense any adulteration or manipulation in anything, report it directly.
Always see Government certification and hallmarks while making a product purchase, like ISO, ISI, BIS, etc.

No one asks for your bank details, card details, OTPs or passwords. So do not share with anyone. Verify before making payments anywhere.
One can always make a complaint in the PG Portal here: https://pgportal.gov.in/.

What are Consumer Disputes Redressal Agencies?

Various consumer agencies have been established at different levels to solve the grievances of the public. Some of them are:
- District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission or District Commission. For example Mumbai Sub-urban Commission
- State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission or State Commission. For example Maharashtra Commission
- National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission or National Commission
Where can one get all the FAQs related to the consumer helpline?

One has to visit the official website of the consumer helpline https://consumerhelpline.gov.in/faq-details.php?fid=Consumer%20Protection%20Act%202019 to get all the important FAQs regarding consumer frauds and how to report them.

To find queries related to the Grievance Against Misleading Advertisement (GAMA), visit the website here: https://gama.gov.in/Faq.aspx.

FAQs related to Consumer Grievance are mentioned here: https://gama.gov.in/ConsumerGrivences.aspx.

FAQs regarding Consumer Protection Act 2019 are listed here: https://consumerhelpline.gov.in/faq-details.php?fid=Consumer%20Protection%20Act%202019.

If you are not satisfied with services given by the Travel companies and want to resolve travel complaints, then file a complaint at Voxya an online consumer complaints forum that helps consumers to get a replacement, refund and compensation with an optimal solution.

Voxya, trusted by 1 lacs+ consumer across India.
How to download MSME Certificate online?
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What is MSME?

The Government of India has to focus on the growth of the industrial sector with the Made in India campaign. The development of a thing begins with its foundation. For the industrial sector, it is the MSMEs that are the backbone of a developing economy. To support these MSMEs, the Government launched so many schemes, subsidies, and even the MSMED Act of 2006, which will boost this sector in the upcoming future.

MSME is the acronym for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises that are defined as-

What are MSME certificates?

To avail of the benefits under the MSMED Act, an enterprise must have a valid MSME registration and certificate. These benefits include easy sanction of bank loans, lower rates of interest, exemption under Direct Tax Laws, excise exemption scheme and get support under the reservation and Interest on Delayed Payments Act.

According to the MSMED Act of 2006, MSME certificates are necessary to avail benefits from the State and Central Government. One has to register on the MSME portal to get a certificate. The validity of this certificate is lifetime till the enterprise is operational. But if someone has applied for a provisional certificate, it will be valid for up to five years only.

How to register an MSME?

Step 1:- Visit the Udhyam registration portal here https://udyamregistration.gov.in/Government-India/Ministry-MSME-registration.htm.

Step 2:- Choose the first option if you have to make a new application. Choose the second option if you already have the UAM number.

Step 3:- Enter your details as asked on the screen and validate.

Step 4:- After the successful submission, your registration number flashes on the screen with a thank you message. Keep this registration number safe for future purposes.

Step 5:- Wait for 3-4 days till your application gets processed. Once done, you will receive your MSME certificate to the registered email. If not received, download the certificate as mentioned below.

How to register for the MSME certificate?

Step 1:- Visit the MSME certificate registration website https://msmeregistration.gov.in

Step 2:- Fill in all the details asked in the form and pay online.

Step 3:- In 1-2 days, the MSME certificate will come to the registered email ID. Download the certificate.

How to download an MSME certificate?

Download MSME certificate with UAM number-

Step 1:- Visit this website https://udyamregistration.gov.in/PrintUdyamCertificate.aspx.

Step 2:- Fill in your 12-digit Udhyam Registration Number (UAM).

Step 3:- Choose the OTP generation option. Click on validate and generate OTP.

Step 4:- Enter the OTP. Click on validate OTP and Print. After a successful attempt, your MSME will start to download.

Download without UAM number-

Method 1-

Step 1:- Visit the Udhyam website here https://msmeregistration.gov.in

Step 2:- Fill up the details that you previously entered while registering for the MSME certificate.

Step 3:- Once you click on submit the application tab, the system will tell you that there is already an enterprise registered with the details.

Step 4:- After a warning, it will redirect to the page where you will find their UAM number.

Step 5:- Copy the UAM number and proceed with the downloading of the certificate.

How to report any grievances regarding MSME?

Step 1:- Visit the Champions website that comes under the MSME portal https://champions.gov.in/Government-India/Ministry-MSME-Portal-handholding/msme-problem-complaint-welcome.htm.

Step 2:- One the top left corner, click on Your Grievances.

Step 3:- Choose to register your grievance if you want to make a new grievance https://champions.gov.in/MSME-Ministry/micro-small-Medium-industry/issues_and_problems_enterprise/Register_complaint_grievance.htm.
Fill in all the details correctly after you get an OTP for validation.

Choose to make a suggestion/seek guidance if one wants to make a suggestion or seeks guidance regarding MSME https://champions.gov.in/Ministry-of-MSME/manufacturing_service_sector/make_Suggestion/Seek_guidance.htm.
Fill in all the details correctly and wait for the reply to come at your registered mail or mobile number.

Where to find the helpline numbers?

One can find the helpline numbers on the official website https://msme.gov.in/contactus. One can call 011-23063800 for registration and certificate queries and 011-23062354 for any technical support.
How to raise a grievance in EPFiGMS New PF Grievance Portal?
Table of Contents
- What is EPFiGMS?
- What complaints are registered?
- How to file a complaint in the portal?
- How to check the status of your complaint?
- Things to keep in mind
- How to send a reminder to the EPF Grievance?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is EPFiGMS?

EPFiGMS or Employees Provident Fund Grievance Management System is an official online platform where registered EPF members access the portal and file their complaints, queries and grievances. The issues related to the employee’s provident fund, such as the contribution of the provident fund, withdrawal or transfer, are processed through this system.

Many workers, having problems like failed transfer of one’s EPF balance when they change their jobs, or their request of transfer is unfulfilled, have to complain about the issue on this portal. This portal tracks maturity proceeds, loans and withdrawals, along with the issue-solving characteristics.

What complaints are registered?
1. Misplaced or returned cheque
2. Last settlement of pension
3. Clearance of insurance benefit
4. Withdrawal of EPF
5. Final settlement of EPF
6. Issue of PF slip/PF balance
7. Transfer of PF account
8. Scheme Certificate
How to file a complaint in the portal?
1. Visit the official website of EPF Grievance Management System https://epfigms.gov.in/.
2. Press the “Register Grievance” option.
3. Select your status from the following:
  - PF Member
  - EPS Pensioner
  - Employer
  - Others
4. Select ‘Others’ if you don’t have a PF number.
5. Fill in your Universal Account Number (UAN) and the security code (captcha).
6. Press ‘Get details.’
7. Details, like your name, UAN, email ID, and mobile number, flash on the screen.
8. You receive an OTP when you click on the ‘Get OTP’ option to move forward.
9. Choose the PF account under the personal details section.
10. After doing this, select the type of EPF grievance and its category and description.
11. Upload the documents required by clicking on the ‘Choose File and the Attach’.
Note:- The registered complaint number gets delivered to your mobile number and email ID. It may take up to 15-30 days for your complaint to get resolved.

How to check the status of your complaint?
- Visit the official portal https://epfigms.gov.in/.
- Press the ‘View Status’ option.
- Enter the registration number that one gets at the time of making their first complaint.
- If the complaint was made on the previous version of the website, one has to insert the grievance password and mobile number/email ID to enter the view status section.
- Enter the security code shown on the screen.
- Click on ‘Submit’.
- The current status of the complaint displays on the screen.
Things to keep in mind
1. The complaint registration number needs to be kept safe for future use.
2. This code comes in handy to search your complaint through the portal. Other than this code, your name and city is also an option for the search.
3. EPFiGMS portal allows its members to check their provident fund account balance status.
How to send a reminder to the EPF Grievance?
- Visit the official portal https://epfigms.gov.in/.
- Press the ‘Send Reminder option.
- Enter your registration number.
- Insert the grievance password and mobile number/email ID to enter the view status section.
- Enter the security code shown on the screen.
- Click on ‘Submit’.
- After clicking the submit button, a reminder related to your EPF grievance gets delivered to the concerned department.
Frequently Asked Questions

How can I contact their customer care?

You can call their customer care centre to either file a complaint or ask the status of your complaint or resolve any queries at 1800 118 005.

How do I receive the registered complaint number?

The registered complaint number gets delivered to your mobile number and email ID. The registration number has to be kept safe for future use.

How many days does it take to resolve the complaint?

It takes up to 15-30 days to solve a complaint. The count starts from that day when the first application got registered, until that day, the PF amount gets transferred to the bank account online.

How are EPF grievances handled?

Giving solutions to tons of grievances is an important role that EPFO operates. The complaints are monitored on a regular basis. A very strict timeline is provided to the organization for solving the grievances, so they try to resolve the complaint as quickly as possible.

Can I file a EPF complaint through social media?

Yes, EPFO members can raise a complaint via social media. Their respective social media handles are:
Twitter – https://twitter.com/socialepfo
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/socialepfo

Are dormant EPF accounts traceable?

The EPFO helpdesk can help you to trace the dormant EPF accounts. The EPFO member has to complete their registration process and provide the correct details of the account to make the tracking process easier both for the organization and for the account holder.

This was all about how you can raise an EPF grievance in EPFiGMS Portal. However, if you are facing issues with defective product or service which you purchased and vendor is not resolving, you can file a consumer complaint at https://voxya.com/file-consumer-complaint
Our experienced legal team will help you to get refund, replacement and compensation.
How to apply for a Police Verification Certificate online in Karnataka using Seva Sindhu Portal?
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What is Seva Sindhu Portal?

The government of Karnataka started an initiative in 2017 to deliver doorstep Government services to its citizens. The Government combined various delivery channels and service centres, like Common Service Centres, Karnataka One, Atalji Jana Snehi Kendra, Bapuji Kendras and Bangalore One, which aimed to bring all these services on a single platform.

The ultimate goal of Seva Sindhu is to provide paperless, faceless and cashless services. With time, it is becoming one of the hassle-free services in the state by reducing the turnaround time and opportunity cost.

Since the police stations in Karnataka shut down due to COVID-19, people were scared and unable to get the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) or other services. Due to this, the Government of Karnataka came up with a solution to launch eight types of police verifications via the Seva Sindhu Portal. Now, there is no need to go to the police station to get a certificate.

These eight services are:
1. Police verification certificate (PVC) for various institutions or companies.
2. Police approved antecedent verification certificates for marriages.
3. PVC for any training or apprenticeship in any Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) or for trainees/workers that work daily in Government Institutions.
4. PVC for individuals that will work as a coolie/loader/ Class IV security staff/ supervisor at the airport.
5. PVC (antecedent verification) for Central/State Government employees
6. PVC for household workers such as maids, gardeners, etc.
7. Service verification
8. PVC for going abroad for studies or immigration (study VISA, and not tourist VISA)
How to get a PCC/PVC from Seva Sindhu Portal?

Step 1:- One must visit the main Seva Sindhu Portal at https://sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in/Sevasindhu/English to initiate the application. The above link is for the English page; one can use the Kannada page for the same.

Step 2:- Click on the blue button of the Department and Services tab in the menu bar.

Step 3:- The list of all departments is visible until page number 6.

Step 4:- Choose page number 4. Click on the fourth option in the centre row- Karnataka State Police. All the options under this tab are now visible.

Step 5:- Now, choose the type of certificate you are looking after.

Step 6:- One can see all the details displayed on the screen like eligibility details, documents required, application fee, delivery time, the procedure for applying, etc. Click on Apply Online.

Step 7:- You are redirected to the login page, where you have to create an account on the portal using your Aadhaar card from the DigiLocker service.

Step 8:- After creating the account, log in to the portal using your login ID and password. An OTP is generated on your registered mobile number for validation.

Step 9:- Insert all the required details and documents on all the pages carefully.

Step 10:- Once inserted, check the details thoroughly and click on submit.

Step 11:- After internal verification, your registered mail ID receives a digitally signed certificate, and your registered mobile number also notifies you for the same.

What is the difference between PCC and PVC?

The Police Clearance Certificate is an essential official document required by the people residing in India or Indians, who come from foreign lands, to identify their criminal records, if any, they might have against their names. The Indian Police or an authorised Indian Government organisation issues the PCC.

PCC is provided only after police verification. The police have to verify the applicant’s residential status, VISA or immigration status and employment status to provide a valid certificate for which the applicant has applied. The key parameters that the police verifies manually are the criminal records and address of the applicant.

What are the documents required to apply for PCC?

Many applicants wish to go to Emigration Check Required (ECR) countries for employment purposes. ECR countries include the United Arab Emirates, Afghanistan, Oman, Yemen, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Sudan, Qatar, Kuwait, Syria, Bahrain, Thailand, Malaysia, Lebanon, Iraq, Libya, and Jordan. They need to submit these documents to obtain PCC:
- Old passport in original and self-attested two photocopies
- Present proof of address
- Self-attested copy of employment contract with the foreign employer
- Copy of valid VISA
The applicants, who are emigrating to non-ECR countries, have to submit the following documents:
- Old passport in original with self-attested photocopies
- Proof of address
- Proof of residential status, employment contract, or long term VISA for immigration.
Family members, who are dependent on other family members for residing/emigrating in/to both ECR and non-ECR countries, need to submit the following documents:
- Old passport in original with self-attested two photocopies
- Proof of address
- Sponsorship declaration by the person who is sponsoring the emigration of the PCC applicant.
What if I am questioned regarding PCC by the foreign authorities?

The applicant must have a PCC for submitting it to the Foreign Local Government. Generally, PCC is valid from 6 months to a year, but one can check the status by visiting their state’s official police website or the passport website. The registered mobile number gets regular updates. So, one has to track the notifications.

How much time does it take to receive the PCC? How can I track the status?

It takes around 2-3 weeks to get the PCC. One can track the status using the Application Reference Number on the main webpage of Seva Sindhu Portal or the updates provided regularly via SMS and email.

What are the modes of payment?

One can pay online using a debit/credit card or net banking, or offline through challan. The offline mode takes time to update the status, while the online portal updates the status instantaneously if the payment is successful.

Seva Sindhu Portal is not working. Can I apply for the PCC/PVC from another website?

One can apply for the PCC using the Karnataka One web portal. Visit the official webpage here: https://www.karnatakaone.gov.in/Info/Public/PoliceVerification and sign in. Follow the steps as indicated on the webpage for getting the PCC.

If this website is also down, one should contact the centre of Seva Sindhu Portal at 8088304855 / 6361799796 / 9380204364 or 9380206704 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (remains closed on public holidays), or mail them at sevasindhu@karnataka.gov.in.

If you are a consumer and looking for a replacement, refund and compensation from the company or the seller then File a complaint at Voxya an online consumer complaints forum that helps consumers to get justice and resolve consumer complaints with an optimal solution.