HDFC Ergo free Apple Watch Ultra campaign: What is it, what happened and how it affected users

Apple Watch Ultra

Zopper recently announced a new campaign called “India Gets Moving” that promised a full cashback on the purchase of an Apple Watch to customers who have participated in the initiative provided they complete the step count requirement. The problem happened when the claims were rejected after users completed the set step target as per the initiative.

India Gets Moving campaign: What is it
In November 2024, Zopper launched the India Gets Moving campaign in collaboration with HDFC Ergo. The initiative aimed to promote fitness by offering customers 100% cashback on the invoice value of an Apple Watch. To qualify, participants had to complete 15,000 steps daily, track them using the Apple Watch, and accumulate points. The cashback was promised upon successful claim submission.

HDFC ERGO x Apple Scam? A thread on how thousands of customers got scammed under the "India Gets Moving" campaign by Zopper, Apple, and HDFC Ergo. Read more in details & discussions on TF Community https://t.co/KHoukg2eZ11 The Campaign:In Nov 2024, Zopper pic.twitter.com/2hsdYRj24X
Sumanta Mandal (@karna_ocw) February 5, 2025

The issue: Denied claims
The offer was right until users started completing the set step count and went the claim the cashback. Several users claim that their cashback claim was rejected. HDFC Ergo cited step count manipulation as the primary reason, alleging that some users handed their Apple Watches to others or used external tools to falsify steps. However, no concrete proof was provided to justify these rejections. Even customers who maintained transparency tracked their steps accurately and provided additional health data like GPS and heart rate records faced claim denials.

HDFC FRAUD FRAUD ALERTHDFC ERGO IS A FRAUD.I had purchased a apple watch in their offer INDIA GETS MOVING . In this Offer they claimed that they will refund the whole money of the watch back if you do a step count of 15k daily for a year , I am a Fitness Coach / Hybrid Athlete pic.twitter.com/szG3uX3vaRRutvik (@rutvikbhadra) February 2, 2025

HDFC ERGO & Apple Watch Scam A Complete Fraud 1/ On Dec 1, 2024, I bought an Apple Watch, trusting HDFC ERGOs Stay Fit To Benefit program. Walk daily, earn points, get cashbacksimple, right? Turns out, its a well-planned scam. @appleindia @HDFCERGO @AppleSupportvaibhav (@vaibhav17890) February 4, 2025

@HDFCERGOGIC What scam are you guys running?I purchased an @Apple watch in your "India gets moving" SchemeHonestly completed every step that I took very consistently. Today I got this mail of my claim being rejected I have completed every step I took very honestly and can pic.twitter.com/lhh6466TUlYash Gawde (@bizibeast) February 2, 2025

How users were affected
The campaign attracted numerous participants, some of whom made significant financial commitments to purchase an Apple Watch. Many relied on the cashback promise, only to find themselves burdened with unexpected financial stress when their claims were denied. Furthermore, HDFC Ergo reportedly cancelled insurance policies for some users, deepening concerns about the program’s credibility.

Customers attempted to seek resolutions by contacting HDFC Ergo, but responses were inadequate. Despite repeated emails and social media outreach, the company remained largely unresponsive. The situation has sparked outrage among affected users, with discussions intensifying within the TechnoFino community and other platforms.

What HDFC Ergo has to say

Moneycontrol reached out to HDFC Ergo on why claims were denied to users even if they've completed the steps that's required for the campaign.  “In the case of certain individuals, we came across unusual and suspicious data. Upon conducting a thorough investigation, it was found that there has been manipulation of data by certain participants, which violates the terms and conditions of the programme. As a result, we have been constrained to terminate the policies of certain participants. Similarly, claims of participants where no manipulation was found have been honoured", the company mentioned in the statement.

How to prevent similar issues in the future
To avoid falling into similar situations, consumers should take the following precautions:
Read terms and conditions: Before participating in cashback or reward programs, thoroughly review the eligibility criteria and conditions.
Verify company track records: Research past campaigns and customer feedback to assess the credibility of promotional offers.
Document progress: Maintain detailed records, including screenshots, step count history, and GPS data, to serve as proof if required.
Be cautious with financial commitments: Avoid making large purchases based solely on cashback promises, as terms may change or claims may be denied.