Lima, Peru – Peruvian retail giant Saga Falabella has been issued a fine exceeding $5,000 USD by the country’s consumer protection agency, Indecopi, for deceptive sales practices involving iPhones. The penalty stems from evidence that the retailer was selling devices with replaced components as new, a violation of consumer rights and product transparency standards. This case signals a growing trend of regulatory oversight within Peru’s consumer electronics market and raises questions about the authenticity of products sold as “new.”
Saga Falabella Fined Over $5,000 for Selling Refurbished iPhones as New
Peruvian retailer Saga Falabella has been penalized more than 20,000 Peruvian Soles (approximately $5,300 USD) by the country’s consumer protection agency, Indecopi, for selling iPhones with replaced parts as new, without informing customers. The decision underscores increasing scrutiny of product quality and transparency in the consumer electronics market.
Indecopi found that Saga Falabella had substituted components in new iPhone devices before sale, effectively converting them into “reconditioned” units. Customers were not notified of these alterations, violating consumer rights regulations. According to reports, the violations involved at least one instance of an iPhone 14 being modified.
The agency has ordered Saga Falabella to reimburse a customer 6,599 Peruvian Soles (roughly $1,740 USD) and pay a fine of 20,000 Peruvian Soles. The case highlights the importance of clear disclosure regarding the condition of electronic devices.
Indecopi’s investigation revealed that the retailer was replacing parts in new iPhones without providing any warning to buyers. This practice misleads consumers into believing they are purchasing a brand-new, untouched product. The agency emphasized that consumers have the right to receive goods that meet the advertised specifications.
The penalties imposed on Saga Falabella serve as a warning to other retailers to ensure full transparency regarding the condition of products offered for sale. The incident is likely to prompt increased consumer awareness and demand for greater accountability in the electronics retail sector.
