Realising you’ve been sold a fake is frustrating — but acting fast protects your money, your skin, and the next buyer. Here’s a clear, step-by-step plan.
Step 1 — Stop using it
If a product is irritating, burning or you suspect it’s counterfeit, stop applying it immediately. If your skin reacted, switch to a gentle, barrier-supporting routine (see sensitive-skin recovery) and see a doctor if the reaction is severe.
Step 2 — Document everything
- Photograph the packaging, batch code, seals and the product itself.
- Save the order confirmation, payment proof, chat/messages and seller details.
- Note the price and where you bought it.
- Verify the batch code (how to check) and note the result.
Step 3 — Report it to the seller / platform
- Marketplace (e.g. Daraz): open a return/dispute with your evidence.
- Facebook/Instagram seller: request a refund in writing; if refused, report the page/post to the platform for selling counterfeits.
- Keep all communication in text so you have a record. (Background: Daraz & Facebook: real or fake.)
Step 4 — Escalate if needed
- National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) handles consumer complaints in Bangladesh — file a complaint with your documentation.
- For safety-related products (e.g. mercury-contaminated creams), report on safety grounds too.
How TheSkinProof removes the risk entirely
The best “report a fake” process is never getting one. At TheSkinProof, every product is invoice-verified and batch-checked before shipping. And if anything is ever proven counterfeit, you don’t chase a refund — you get 2× your money back under our guarantee. Browse verified products.
Before you buy: check authenticity, not price
Don’t chase the cheapest product — look for the authentic one. A cheap fake can damage your skin, and using nothing at all does less harm than using a counterfeit. But a high price doesn’t guarantee authenticity either — people overpay for fakes too. So judge by authenticity, not price.
TheSkinProof offers free authenticity verification. Message our Facebook page with the product and we’ll analyze it and tell you whether it’s real or fake — so it’s important to verify before you buy anything. Or simply buy from TheSkinProof, where every product is already invoice-verified with a 2× money-back guarantee.