Srinagar: Murtaza, a garment shop owner, opens his store at 9:30 a.m. every morning in hopes of attracting customers, especially with Eid around the corner. However, his business has slowed dramatically. Despite having a salesgirl tending to his women’s apparel store, he fears he won’t be able to pay her salary this month due to the lack of foot traffic.
“It’s frustrating,” Murtaza admits. “I’m offering quality products, but these fake sales on Facebook are drawing customers away. These scam artists are ruining my livelihood and that of my staff.”
The once-bustling markets of Zakura, Hazratbal, Kashmir, are facing a severe downturn as online Facebook hawkers, promoting false sales, are undermining local businesses. Traders from the well-known Goni Khan Market and Zakura, Hazratbal, are expressing their frustration as new scam ads flood social media, luring customers with promises of huge discounts on products, only to deceive them later.
Veteran trader Sadiq Baqal weighed in on the issue, noting that while the rush before Eid is typical, the damage caused by these scams will only become clear after the holiday. “This time of year, we usually see a flood of customers, but now these fake ads are turning people away,” Baqal explained. “The impact will only be worse once Eid is over.”
Showkat Ah., a footwear shop owner, shared a similar sentiment. He explained how, just a year ago, his shop was packed with customers looking to buy new shoes for the holiday season. “If you had called me last year on this day, I would have been too busy to even answer,” he said, his voice tinged with sadness. “Now, my shop is almost empty. It’s heartbreaking to see these Facebook promotions offering four pairs of shoes for just 1,000 rupees overshadowing my business.”
The issue is even drawing the attention of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI). President Javid Ah. Tenga has vowed to address the matter and ensure the government takes action. “This is a serious issue that’s damaging the local economy. We will look into it and press for government intervention to deal with the illegal advertising,” Tenga confirmed.
The rise of social media platforms like Facebook has led to the emergence of individuals with no marketing experience running fake ads. For as little as 5,000 to 10,000 rupees, they set up fraudulent sales profiles that promise unreal discounts, attracting unsuspecting customers. Some of these individuals go so far as to present themselves as journalists or reporters, misusing journalistic ethics to make the sales appear more legitimate. Others even exploit religious symbols and phrases like “Fi Sabeelillah” (for the sake of God) in an attempt to build trust and deceive people further.
“These scammers are not only damaging businesses like mine but also tarnishing the trust people have in genuine deals,” said Bashir Ah. Kinno, a shop owner from Zakura, Hazratbal. “People now look at us like cheaters, and bargain shopping feels more like begging for a sale than a fair exchange.”
With growing concerns about the legitimacy of online sales, local traders are calling for immediate legal action to curb this dangerous trend. Many believe that if the government does not step in, the problem will only continue to spiral out of control, further hurting the local economy and honest businesses.
As the situation continues to develop, the fate of many local vendors remains uncertain. Without regulation and support, this growing issue could threaten the livelihoods of countless traders across the region. (JKNS)
