Misleading Sales Practices and Unauthorized Service Activation by Shine.com

D

Deswin Jose

New member
Bank Name
ICICI Bank
Customer Care Number
080-10062222
Loss Amount
45544
Ratings
1.00 star(s)
Opposite Party Address
HT Media Ltd (Shine.com)
11th Floor, Park Centra, Sector 30
Gurgaon, Haryana – 122001
I, Deswin Jose, a software professional from Kerala, am lodging this complaint against Shine.com (HT Media Ltd) for engaging in misleading sales tactics and activating services without my consent. On May 15, 2025, I was contacted by a Shine.com representative who persuaded me to make multiple payments totaling ₹45,544.01, each time assuring me it would be the final payment required. Contrary to these assurances, additional payment requests followed, accompanied by pressure tactics suggesting previous payments would be forfeited if I didn't comply.


Despite my explicit email on the same day requesting the cancellation of all services and a full refund, Shine.com proceeded to activate several services, including Application Highlighter, Employment Verification, Education Verification, and various skill courses, none of which I authorized or utilized. Their justification, citing "service delivery time," is unacceptable and disregards my clear instructions.


I have already filed a complaint with the National Consumer Helpline (Docket No: 7143452) and am preparing to escalate this matter legally through the e-Jagriti portal and, if necessary, by filing a police complaint for misrepresentation and mental harassment.


I demand an immediate full refund of ₹45,544.01 and written confirmation that all services have been canceled. Failure to address this promptly will compel me to pursue all available legal remedies.
 

Attachments

I'm sorry to hear about your experience with Shine.com. Based on your account, it appears that you were subjected to misleading sales tactics and unauthorized service activations, resulting in a financial loss of ₹45,544.01. This situation is indeed concerning and warrants immediate attention.

Steps before filing case in Consumer Forum​

Follow the below 3 steps before filing case in the Consumer Forum, this will strengthen your case.

1. Contact Shine.com's Customer Support
  • Email: Send a detailed email to compliance@shine.com, outlining the issue and requesting a full refund.
Clearly state that the services were activated without your consent and that you are seeking a full refund.

2. Document All Evidence
  • Invoices and Receipts: Ensure you have copies of all invoices and payment receipts.
  • Communication Records: Save all emails, messages, and call logs with Shine.com's representatives.
  • Service Activation Details: Note the dates and descriptions of any services activated without your consent.
3. File a Complaint with the National Consumer Helpline
  • Online Portal: Visit consumerhelpline.gov.in to register your grievance.
  • Helpline Numbers: Call 1800-11-4000 or 14404 for assistance.
Provide all relevant details, including transaction records and correspondence with Shine.com.

If the issue remains unresolved even after following the above steps, you have strong reason to file a case against them.
  1. Send a Formal Legal Notice:
    • Draft a legal notice detailing the issue, SHINE's inadequate response, and your demand for Refund and Compensation.
    • This can be done through a lawyer or by contacting our team that offer legal notice services.
    • Note: Always send notice via Registered Post only.
  2. File a Complaint with the Consumer Forum:

Legal Precedents Supporting Your Case​

1. Case Highlights

Himachal Pradesh - Kangra - M/S SHINE.COM V/S Sumeet Sharma

Facts giving rise to filing of this complaint are that on 04.12.2020 complainant received a phone call from opposite party's online job portal namely Shine.com in order to avail the priority highlighter service for a total amount of Rs.3027/-. Per complainant he was allured by the opposite party to avail services of opposite party for the purpose of job with priority locations. It is pleaded that complainant was assured by the opposite party Customer Care team that complainant will receive the required job on priority job locations of Delhi NCR, Punjab or Haryana or near Himachal Pradesh within a week. The Complainant was firstly communicated to pay an amount of Rs.7,669/-, thereafter Rs.12,625/- for the second time and Rs.16,754/- finally on the very same day respectively by the OP's Team Member namely Gaurav. Opposite party tricked the complainant to pay smaller amounts and thereby generated bills of higher amounts, which was refused to pay by complainant. Alleging unfair trade practice and deficiency in the service on the part of opposite party(s), the complainant has filed the present complaint.


Accordingly, the complaint is allowed and opposite party is directed to refund entire amount of Rs.40,075/- to the complainant along with interest @ 6% per annum from the date of complaint i.e. 25.10.2021 till its realization. The opposite party is also directed to pay lump sum amount of Rs.20,000/- to the complainant as compensation, besides litigation cost quantified as Rs.7,500/- to be paid by the opposite party.

M/S SHINE.COM V/S Sumeet Sharma - Consumer Court Case - 2023-12-15

Consumer Court Case against M/S SHINE.COM V/S Sumeet Sharma - Consumer Court Case against - M/S SHINE.COM
www.consumercourt.in www.consumercourt.in


By following these steps, you can seek appropriate redressal for the issues faced with Shine.com. If you need assistance drafting communications or require further guidance, feel free to ask.

Important Tip:
Before taking legal action, it is advisable to first send a legal notice to the Opposite Party.
Click to expand...
Note:
We can assist in:
  • Drafting professional legal notices.
  • Filing consumer complaints for deficiency in service.
Feel free to contact us if you wish to proceed with a legal notice draft or complaint preparation.

Regards,
Support Team
 

1. Contact Shine.com's Customer Support​


✅ Status: Completed


  • I have already sent detailed emails to Shine.com's support and grievance team, including compliance@shine.com, clearly explaining that services were activated without my consent.
  • In response, they offered a partial refund only for the last payment of ₹17,828.01, but I have not accepted this, as I am seeking a full refund of ₹45,544.01 — the total amount paid for all services.
  • Despite my repeated requests to cancel all services, Shine.com has continued to activate various services without my approval and is now pressuring me to utilize them instead of processing a refund.
  • I have made it clear in all communications that I do not wish to use any Shine.com services, and only a full cancellation and refund is acceptable.



  • 2. Document All Evidence​


    ✅ Status: Completed

    • Invoices and Receipts: I have preserved all 5 invoices dated 15th May 2025.
    • Communication Records: I have saved all emails and invoice but not having the call records
    • Service Activations: Documented instances of unauthorized activations include:
      • Application Highlighter
      • Employment Verification
      • Education Verification
      • Negotiation Skills Course
      • Communication Skills Course
      • Resume Writing
      • Jobs on the Move
  • All of which were activated after I had already requested cancellation.


    3. File a Complaint with the National Consumer Helpline (NCH)​


    ✅ Status: Completed

    • I have filed a complaint via the NCH portal: consumerhelpline.gov.in
    • My Docket Number is 7143452
    • I have submitted all relevant documents, including invoices and communication history
    • I am actively tracking the case and awaiting response or escalation
 
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