Scam in Sri LankaShopping
Counterfeit sunglasses in Sri Lanka
How it works
Counterfeit sunglasses may look convincing but may not protect your eyes from UV light. Their appearance does not establish their quality or protection.
Warning signs
- Sunglasses are sold among very cheap toys, hats and other goods.
- You cannot verify the claimed UV protection.
How to avoid it
- Buy sunglasses from a seller you trust.
- Check the stated UV protection instead of judging by appearance.
- Do not assume a familiar-looking brand mark proves authenticity.
If it happens to you
Do not rely on the glasses for UV protection. Ask for a refund if they were misrepresented.
- Move to a safe public place. Avoid threats, arguments or chasing anyone.
- Record what happened while it is fresh. Save receipts, messages, trip details and any useful descriptions.
- Freeze missing cards immediately. Contact your card issuer about suspicious payments and secure affected accounts.
- Report theft, threats or fraud to police. Ask for a report number or written record.
- Contact the booking service, ride app or seller if relevant. Request a refund through its official support process.
- Contact your insurer if covered. If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the counterfeit sunglasses scam in Sri Lanka?
Counterfeit sunglasses may look convincing but may not protect your eyes from UV light. Their appearance does not establish their quality or protection.
How can I spot it early?
Sunglasses are sold among very cheap toys, hats and other goods. You cannot verify the claimed UV protection.
How do I avoid counterfeit sunglasses in Sri Lanka?
Buy sunglasses from a seller you trust. Check the stated UV protection instead of judging by appearance. Do not assume a familiar-looking brand mark proves authenticity.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Do not rely on the glasses for UV protection. Ask for a refund if they were misrepresented.
Where in Sri Lanka does this happen?
Shops selling cheap goods in rural areas
How common is this scam in Sri Lanka?
Occasional. Scams and touts are a concern for first-time visitors, especially in Colombo. The main risks are misleading travel advice, transport overcharging and sales pressure; pickpocketing on public transport is uncommon.
Are there similar scams in Sri Lanka?
Yes: charging above the marked retail price, offers to buy ancient artifacts.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, fraud or threats. Bring any receipts, messages and other evidence, and ask for a written record. Card issuer or bank: use the official banking app or verified contact number to freeze cards and report disputed payments. Ride-hailing app or booking service: open the relevant trip or booking and report the problem through official support. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help with a lost or stolen passport. Travel insurer: contact the claims service and keep police records, receipts and evidence of the loss.
Reviewed by @snuck