BUYER WARNS PUBLIC OVER ALLEGED FAKE SAMSUNG PHONE SALE

By SBT | Harare

A Harare buyer has raised concerns over an alleged misleading mobile phone sale involving a Facebook account operating under the name MS MU CELLULAR, warning consumers to exercise caution when purchasing smartphones through social media.

The buyer alleges that the account advertised a Samsung Galaxy A07 for US$80 but delivered a different phone bearing an unfamiliar Chinese brand name. According to the buyer, the phone was ordered last week for delivery to an office in Chisipite, with payment expected upon delivery.

The buyer said payment was made through EcoCash after the phone arrived. However, when they later attempted to set it up, they discovered that the device was not the Samsung model advertised. “I contacted the lady and explained that I wanted an original Samsung phone. I even offered to top up the money if necessary so that she could give me a genuine phone,” the buyer said.

The seller allegedly responded: “Iyoyo ikunetsa chii?” before becoming unreachable. The buyer said subsequent calls and messages to the seller went unanswered. They also contacted the person whose EcoCash account allegedly received the payment. The buyer identified the account holder as Munyaradzi Dzvova and said he initially responded, asking them to continue the conversation on WhatsApp.

However, the buyer alleges that communication subsequently stopped, with their calls and messages no longer receiving responses. The buyer said the experience had prompted them to warn other consumers against making purchases without first establishing the authenticity of products and the credibility of online sellers.

The phone was advertised with the following specifications:

• Samsung A07

• US$80

• Dual SIM

• 5G network connectivity

• 256GB storage

• 8GB RAM

• 12-month warranty

• Free delivery within Harare

The advertisement also listed a location at the corner of Robert Mugabe Road and Chinhoyi Street, near Zuva Garage.

The buyer is now urging members of the public to be vigilant when purchasing mobile phones through Facebook and other online platforms. “Kwaita vanhu vanobira vanhu kuti vararame. Be careful,” the buyer warned.

The incident highlights the risks consumers may face when buying electronic devices through social media sellers. Buyers are encouraged to verify a seller's identity, inspect devices before completing payment, and check that the model, specifications and warranty match the advertisement.

For Samsung devices, consumers can also check the model information in the phone's settings and verify the device through authorised support channels. Consumers should retain advertisements, payment confirmations, delivery details and all correspondence with sellers in case they need to report a dispute. SBT has not independently verified the buyer's allegations or established whether the Facebook account, the named EcoCash recipient and the advertised business location are connected.

MS MU CELLULAR and the person identified by the buyer have not yet provided a response. They are invited to contact Southerton Business Times with their account of the transaction.

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