People were made to run around everyday by promising to give them Apple Watch for free, now they are saying- 'It is not a scheme but a scam'

In November and December last year, a scheme of free Apple Watch was launched in India. Walk 15000 steps daily and get the full money back on your Apple Watch. 

Whether the Apple Watch is worth 40 thousand or 1 lakh, there was a way to get the money back. The charm of the scheme was such that not only the lazy and the super lazy, but even the lazy Pro Max started walking. 

The Insta feed was filled with 'My first Apple Watch' reels. It seemed as if the whole of India had started on the path of becoming healthy. But now the issue of 'scam' in this scheme is coming to the fore.

Now social media is full of free Apple Watch scams. Many users are calling the entire scheme 'fake'. They are abusing HDFC Ergo, the scheme provider. Forget about the money, they are sharing emails about cancellation of entire subscription.

Free Apple Watch Scheme or 'Scam'

Before proceeding further, know one thing. This scheme and its alleged scam has nothing to do with Apple. The company or its official store did not launch any such scheme. 

This scheme was launched in the market by the company's premium retail store and HDFC Ergo. HDFC ERGO is a general insurance company which is a joint venture of India's HDFC Bank and German ERGO International. 

Talking about this scheme, the user had to download the Zopper app. Many personal information including his bank details had to be shared.

Apple Watch Scheme

With this, the entire cost of Apple Watch had to be paid upfront. After this, walk 15000 steps (about 12 kilometers) every month and get your money back. 

The subscription was divided into 12 months of EMI. Consider it a kind of reverse EMI. You will not get the money the month you do not walk. The money could be claimed up to 15 months after buying the watch. 

Even if you did not walk 15000 steps, there was a way to get the money back, but according to the slab. Meaning 100 percent to 10 percent of the amount could be returned. You can read its full details by clicking here.

Screenshot of the post related to the Free Apple Watch scheme 

In the email sent to the users, it is said that they did not earn the points by counting steps or walking. Your claim does not meet the company's 'criteria', so it is cancelled. Along with this, your entire subscription has also been cancelled.

HDFC Ergo

Many users have shared their experiences on social media. Some users have also complained to the Banking Ombudsman (a portal for complaints related to banks).

Screenshot of the post related to the Free Apple Watch scheme

At the same time, some people are also talking about taking the legal route. On the other hand, HDFC Ergo has not said anything on this yet. We have also contacted the company. 

We have tried to know the side of the users by putting their tweets in the mail. No response had come till the time of writing this report. The story will be published when it comes. Meanwhile, many users are definitely saying one thing.

He and some experts say that the subscription was only for walking. Not for running or making the dog run wearing it. Perhaps that is why the subscriptions are being cancelled. Now how much truth is there in this, is there any technical glitch?

You will know when the time comes. Yes, if you have bought an Apple Watch and have made it a habit to walk, then continue it. It is a good habit.