Entrepreneur and journalist Pratyush Kumar accuses Zoomcar of bait-and-switch tactics, forcing customers into higher fares and delaying refunds. Choice4Voice.com reports the full complaint.
Zoomcar Complaint: Pratyush Kumar Exposes Alleged Scam Tactics
At Choice4Voice.com, we highlight genuine consumer complaints to ensure companies are held accountable. This case involves Pratyush Kumar, an entrepreneur, journalist, and author, who recently shared his disturbing experience with Zoomcar.
He alleges that Zoomcar and its hosts are running a bait-and-switch model, where low-cost cars are listed as traps, but customers are later forced to either pay higher prices or cancel, often without timely refunds.
Complaint Summary
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Complainant Name | Pratyush Kumar |
| Not disclosed | |
| Company/Brand | Zoomcar |
| Complaint Type | Bait-and-Switch Scam, Refund Delay |
| Product/Service | Self-Drive Car Rental |
| Booking Value | ₹6,600 (excluding fuel/toll) |
| Expected Alternative Offered | ₹12,000 – ₹15,000 |
| Incident Description | Car refused at pickup with excuses (AC/engine/tyre issues). Asked to pay more or cancel. Refund not processed yet. |
| Date of Incident | September 2025 |
| Company’s Response | Offered costlier cars; no proper refund |
| Additional Notes | Similar complaints reported by other users online |
Full Complaint Write-Up
According to Pratyush Kumar, he booked a Zoomcar for ₹6,600 a month in advance to ensure his travel was smooth and budget-friendly. The booking seemed like a fair deal, compared to the ₹12,000–14,000 charged for other Zoomcar Assured vehicles.
However, the reality was far different.
- Upon reaching the pickup location (10 km away), he was asked to come to a shady parking lot with poor network connectivity.
- A local contact first cited AC problems, then engine issues, then tyre problems—essentially refusing to hand over the car.
- Instead, they pushed him to cancel the booking and opt for another car “offline” at ₹12,000, almost double his booking price.
When he contacted Zoomcar’s customer care, they offered another form of pressure:
- His original ₹6,600 would be “adjusted” into another car costing ₹14,000–15,000.
- They marketed this as a “discounted” replacement of ₹7,000–8,000, which he found highly misleading.
Frustrated, Pratyush refused to fall for the tactic. He offered to pay up to ₹900 extra for an alternative vehicle, but Zoomcar rejected this. Eventually, he ditched the service altogether, opted for a train, and still completed his trip successfully at a lower cost.
The most concerning part: his refund has not yet been processed, adding to the frustration.
Wider Consumer Concerns
This case is not isolated. Pratyush highlighted how others have reported similar issues:
- Bengaluru user on Reddit: Claimed to have lost ₹7,000, stranded without a car, waiting over 2 months for a refund.
- Media reports: Multiple outlets have covered refund delays involving tens of thousands of rupees.
- Pattern: Cheap bookings act as bait, but customers are pressured into paying for more expensive cars when they arrive for pickup.
Such practices raise serious questions about Zoomcar’s accountability and ethics.
LinkedIn Source
Original complaint posted publicly by Pratyush Kumar on LinkedIn.
(LinkedIn Post URL)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Who filed this complaint against Zoomcar?
The complaint was filed by Pratyush Kumar, an entrepreneur, journalist, and author.
Q2. What was the booking amount?
He booked a car for ₹6,600.
Q3. What happened at the pickup location?
He was told the car had AC/engine/tyre problems and was pressured to cancel or pay extra for another car.
Q4. What did Zoomcar’s customer care offer?
They offered him a more expensive car worth ₹14,000–15,000, adjusted with his booking, pitched as a “discounted fare.”
Q5. Was the car ever provided?
No. The customer had to abandon Zoomcar and travel by train.
Q6. Has the refund been processed?
As of the complaint, no refund has been processed.
Q7. Why does the complainant call it a scam?
Because cheap cars are listed as bait, but at pickup customers are forced into higher fares or left stranded.
Q8. Are other customers reporting similar issues?
Yes, many have reported refund delays and scams online, including on Reddit and media outlets.
Q9. Is this a problem with Zoomcar hosts or Zoomcar itself?
The complainant questions whether the scam is run by Zoomcar hosts or the company, but either way, consumers are suffering.
Q10. How long have refunds reportedly taken?
Some consumers report waiting months for refunds, often involving large sums.
Q11. What are the legal implications?
Such practices could fall under Consumer Protection Act, 2019, as deficiency of service and unfair trade practices.
Q12. What action can customers take?
- File a complaint with National Consumer Helpline
- Escalate to Consumer Court
- Share experiences on platforms like Choice4Voice.com
Q13. What was the consumer’s demand?
A refund of ₹6,600 and accountability from Zoomcar.
Q14. Why is this complaint significant?
It highlights systemic issues with self-drive car rental transparency and growing distrust among consumers.
Q15. Can Zoomcar improve trust?
Yes, by ensuring:
- Guaranteed refunds within fixed timelines
- Transparency in car listings and host accountability
- Stronger customer support
Q16. Did the consumer manage his trip without Zoomcar?
Yes, he switched to a train journey and completed his travel at lower costs.
Q17. What lesson does this case highlight?
That pre-booked savings on Zoomcar may just be bait, leaving customers stranded and exploited.
Q18. Can this be taken to court?
Yes, Pratyush has stated he is in a position to sue Zoomcar in Consumer Forum.
Q19. Has Zoomcar officially responded?
No official resolution was shared in this case.
Q20. What should other travelers keep in mind?
Always verify car availability, avoid shady pickup arrangements, and keep records of all communication for legal safety.
At Choice4Voice.com, we urge Zoomcar to investigate and resolve such complaints quickly. Refund delays, bait listings, and host misconduct severely damage consumer trust.
If you have faced a similar issue, you can submit your complaint on Choice4Voice.com to amplify your voice and demand accountability.
