Scam: Rise and Fall of Freedom 251, the popular smartphone fraud

Smartphone Scam: Back in February 18, 2016, the tech world was abuzz with the launch of the Freedom 251 smartphone by a company named Ringing Bell. Priced at an unbelievably low Rs 251, the smartphone garnered immense attention even before its official release, thanks to the company's vigorous marketing efforts. The promise of a fully functional smartphone at such an astonishingly low price captured the imagination of the entire nation.

Global wave

The buzz around the Freedom 251 didn't just stay confined within national boundaries; it made waves in foreign media as well. The idea of a smartphone priced at a fraction of its manufacturing cost drew attention worldwide, earning it the title of the "cheapest smartphone in the world."

High profile launch

The launch event of the Freedom 251 saw notable figures in attendance, including BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi. The grandeur of the launch event coupled with extensive marketing efforts ensured that the smartphone grabbed headlines across various media platforms.

Unrealistic promise

At the heart of the frenzy was the unbelievable price tag of Rs 251, touted as a promotional offer. The company claimed that this offer would only be valid for a limited time, sparking a rush among consumers to pre-book the device online.

Technical hurdles and overwhelming demand

However, the company was ill-prepared for the overwhelming response. On the first day of pre-booking, the website crashed under the weight of millions of eager customers, signaling the magnitude of interest in the product. Despite setting a target of 50 lakh units by June 2016, the company received a staggering 30 thousand orders on the first day alone, totaling pre-orders worth Rs 1.75 crore.

Delivery debacle and legal troubles

As the company struggled to fulfill orders, negative reports began to surface, casting doubts on its legitimacy. Amidst mounting pressure, the company faced legal troubles, with allegations of fraud and misrepresentation. Despite assurances of delivery, only a fraction of the pre-booked units were ever delivered.

Revealing the truth

Subsequent investigations unveiled the stark reality behind the Freedom 251 saga. It was revealed that the showcased prototype was merely a repackaged version of an existing Chinese phone, sold under false pretenses. The company's actions were deemed fraudulent, leading to legal action against its directors.

End of Freedom 251

The dream of owning a smartphone for Rs 251 turned out to be a mirage for many consumers. The scandal not only tarnished the reputation of the company but also highlighted the risks associated with unrealistic promises in the tech industry.  

Legacy of deception

In the aftermath of the Freedom 251 debacle, the company's founder, Mohit Goyal, faced multiple legal issues, cementing his status as a serial fraudster. From extortion cases to fraudulent business dealings, Goyal's name remained synonymous with deception, serving as a cautionary tale in the annals of India's tech history.

In retrospect, the rise and fall of the Freedom 251 smartphone serve as a stark reminder of the pitfalls of chasing unrealistic dreams in the ever-evolving landscape of technology.