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How to spot fake discounts on Amazon and Flipkart (India, 2026)
'80% off' is usually measured against an MRP the product may never have sold at (Indian Shopping Deals). Example: whey that rarely moves off ₹1,499–1,599 (WheySearch) isn't a 'deal' at ₹1,519.
How to spot fake discounts: free price history checkers for India
| Pick | Price* | Why | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| PriceDrop Alert | Free plan | Paste a product link to see price history and set alerts; covers Amazon, Flipkart, Croma, Myntra | Visit store · source |
| CompareProteinPrices | Free | Daily ₹/g protein tracking on Amazon India whey | Visit store · source |
| Smartprix | Free | Price lists by budget, e.g. earbuds under ₹2,000 | Visit store · source |
*Price at time of writing, 2026-10-26.
- Check price history before a sale starts.
- Compare with similar products from known brands.
- Count a bank offer only if you actually have that card.
- Check the seller and the return policy.
- Skip no-name gadgets with '90% off'.
What MRP means in India (and what it doesn't)
Under the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, the MRP printed on a packaged product must be inclusive of all taxes, and no one may sell above it (Department of Consumer Affairs FAQ). The MRP is a ceiling, not proof of what a product normally sells for. A seller can set a high MRP and then show a large '% off' against it.
MRP changes we recorded ourselves
We re-check every deal on dealbyte.in on its live Amazon.in page twice a day. In October 2026 we saw:
- NAKPRO Gold Raw Whey 1kg: the listed M.R.P. went from ₹2,999 to ₹4,800 on 24 October while the selling price stayed ₹2,849. The '% off' jumped without the price moving, so we stopped showing a discount for it.
- BigMuscles Gold Whey Isolate 1kg: the M.R.P. moved between ₹3,399, ₹3,549 and ₹3,799 over a few days while the price stayed ₹2,199.
That is why DealByte shows an MRP and '% off' only when we have read the MRP on the product page that day, and hides it when it looks padded.
Dark patterns that are banned in India
The Central Consumer Protection Authority's Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023 prohibit practices including:
- False urgency: fake 'only 2 left' or countdown pressure.
- Drip pricing: hiding parts of the price until later in checkout.
- Bait and switch: advertising one outcome and delivering another.
Where to complain
Complain to the platform's grievance officer first. If that fails, the National Consumer Helpline takes complaints on toll-free 1915, WhatsApp/SMS 8800001915 and consumerhelpline.gov.in (Lok Sabha answer). Keep screenshots, the product URL and your order ID.
Related guides
Paying by card or EMI? Read bank offers, no-cost EMI and student discounts. Buying protein? Compare by price per gram. Shopping for a power bank? See best power banks under ₹1,500.
FAQs
Why is '80% off' often fake?
The discount is measured against an inflated MRP the product rarely sold at.
How can I check Amazon price history?
Paste the product link into a tracker such as PriceDrop Alert to see past prices.
Are bank offers real savings?
Only if you have that card, and check the cap and minimum order value.
Can a seller charge more than the MRP in India?
No. Under the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, a packaged product can't be sold above its MRP, which must include all taxes.
Where can I complain about a misleading online sale?
Start with the platform's grievance officer, then the National Consumer Helpline: 1915, WhatsApp/SMS 8800001915 or consumerhelpline.gov.in.
Related guides
- Bank offers, no-cost EMI and student discounts: how to pay less for a laptop in India
- Best budget laptops in India (2026)
- Best 10000mAh power bank under ₹1,500 in India (2026)
Prices are the price at time of writing, 2026-10-26, as reported by the linked sources. They change often (sales, bank offers). Always check the final price before you pay.