More information on Common Scams in Online Shopping and How to Avoid Them
Online shopping is convenient—but scammers also use the same convenience to mislead buyers. This guide explains the most common e-commerce scams in India, the red flags to watch, practical prevention tips, and your legal options if something goes wrong. All advice is based on Indian consumer law and official safety guidance. Stay vigilant, stay protected.
1. Fake Websites & Lookalike Apps
Scammers clone popular shopping sites with minor spelling changes in the domain or create apps that imitate trusted brands. The goal is to collect payments and personal data.
How to avoid: Type the website address yourself, avoid links from ads/messages, check for HTTPS, verify the seller’s contact page, GSTIN, and return policy. Download apps only from official app stores and verify the developer name.
If caught: Take screenshots, raise a charge dispute with your bank if eligible, and report the site to the National Cybercrime Portal and the platform host.
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2. Phishing, OTP & Payment Link Traps
You may receive emails/SMS/DMs with “order issue” or “delivery failed” notices asking you to click a link, share an OTP, or pay a small “verification fee”. These are designed to steal credentials or authorize fraudulent payments.
How to avoid: Never share OTPs. Don’t click payment links sent on chat. Access your order page directly through the official website/app. Enable transaction alerts.
If caught: Block your card/UPI, change passwords, inform your bank immediately, and file a cybercrime complaint with details.
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3. Counterfeit or “Clone” Products
High-demand brands (electronics, cosmetics, footwear) often face counterfeiting. Listings may use genuine photos but ship inferior or unsafe items.
How to avoid: Prefer “sold by/fulfilled by” trusted sellers, check verified purchase reviews, serial numbers, BIS/ISI where applicable, and brand warranty terms.
If delivered: File return immediately with photos/videos unboxing proof. Demand refund/replacement under the platform’s policy and the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
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4. Non-Delivery & Fake Tracking
Fraud sellers may generate a tracking number that never updates, or falsely mark the item delivered.
How to avoid: Track within the platform, use COD for suspicious listings, and check seller history/ratings.
If marked delivered: Raise a non-delivery claim the same day with proof (CCTV/security logs/neighbour confirmation). Ask the courier for delivery confirmation details (time, geotag, photo, OTP).
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5. Return/Replacement Runaround
Some sellers delay pickups, deny returns after arbitrary inspections, or cite “no refund” notices to avoid liability.
Your rights: For defective/not-as-described goods or deficient service, you can seek refund/replacement/compensation under Indian consumer law. Company policy cannot override statutory rights.
Action: Keep a dated timeline, escalate to the platform and brand grievance officer, then use NCH mediation or file via E-Daakhil if unresolved.
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6. Social Media Marketplace Scams
Fraudsters post unrealistic deals, push you to “pay to reserve”, and then vanish. Escrow or shipping links they share are often fake.
How to avoid: Avoid paying outside trusted platforms, insist on COD or meet at a safe public place for local deals, verify identity, and never share IDs to random links.
If cheated: Preserve chats, UPI refs, profiles, and report to the platform and cybercrime authorities.
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7. UPI QR/Collect Request Frauds
Scammers ask you to scan a QR to “receive” money, but QR/collect requests actually pull funds from your account when you approve.
How to avoid: Remember: to receive money, you don’t need to scan or approve anything. Decline unknown collect requests.
If paid: Immediately contact your bank helpline, raise a UPI dispute, and file a cybercrime complaint with the transaction ID.
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8. BNPL/Credit Traps & Hidden Charges
Some offers hide processing fees, auto-enrol subscriptions, or levy heavy penalties for small delays.
How to avoid: Read the price breakdown, billing cycle, interest/penalties, and cancellation terms. Set reminders for due dates.
If mischarged: Raise a written dispute with the lender/platform and seek corrections or refunds; escalate to the grievance officer if needed.
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9. Quick Red Flags Checklist
- Unbelievable discounts or urgency (“last 5 minutes!”).
- No clear address, GSTIN, or customer support details.
- Only wallet/crypto payment options; no reputable gateways.
- Asking for OTP/card PIN/UPI approval to “verify”.
- Refusing COD or safe escrow; pushing off-platform payments.
- Reviews look copy-pasted or all newly created.
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10. How to Shop Safely (Step-by-Step)
- Verify the seller/platform: Check domain/app, contact details, ratings, and complaint history.
- Compare prices: If a deal is far below market, assume risk and proceed cautiously or avoid.
- Check return/refund policy: Prefer platforms with clear timelines and pickup support.
- Pay safely: Use reputable gateways, avoid direct transfers to unknown accounts.
- Document everything: Save the listing, terms, product page, and order summary.
- Unboxing proof: Record opening for high-value items to prove damage/short delivery.
- Act fast on issues: Raise returns within policy windows; do not wait.
- Escalate properly: Write to the seller and platform, then to the grievance officer.
- Seek official help: Use National Consumer Helpline for mediation; file via E-Daakhil if unresolved.
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11. If You’re Cheated: Legal Options in India
Consumer remedy: For defective goods, deficiency of service, or unfair trade practices, you can seek refund, replacement, and compensation (including for mental agony) under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
How to proceed: Start with written complaints to the seller/platform; escalate to the Grievance Officer. If unresolved, register on the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) for assisted resolution. For formal adjudication, file a case through E-Daakhil to the appropriate Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.
Cyber fraud: If money was siphoned using phishing/UPI/card fraud, also file a complaint at the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal with transaction IDs and screenshots.
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12. Documents & Evidence to Save
- Order confirmation, invoice, seller details, GSTIN (if available).
- Product page screenshots (price, photos, description, return policy).
- Chats/emails/call logs; complaint and ticket numbers.
- Unboxing photos/videos, courier label, tracking history.
- Bank/UPI records, disputed transaction IDs.
- Chronology of events with dates and names.
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FAQs
Q1. The seller says “No Refund”. Is that final?
If the item is defective, not as described, or the service is deficient, internal policies cannot override your statutory consumer rights. You can seek refund/replacement and compensation.
Q2. Can I get help without a lawyer?
Yes. Many consumers self-represent in Consumer Commissions. For complex or high-value matters, a lawyer’s expertise can improve outcomes.
Q3. Are screenshots and chat logs valid evidence?
Yes. Preserve them with timestamps. They help establish promises made, refusals, and delays.
Q4. The platform denied my return due to “failed quality check”. What next?
Escalate with photographs/unboxing video, seek NCH mediation, and file via E-Daakhil if needed. Ask for an independent assessment where appropriate.
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Conclusion
Scams evolve, but the red flags stay similar: unbelievable offers, pressure to pay off-platform, and secrecy around policies. Shop on trusted platforms, keep records, act fast on issues, and use India’s official consumer and cybercrime mechanisms for help. Your vigilance is your best protection.
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Official resources:
Department of Consumer Affairs |
National Consumer Helpline (NCH) |
E-Daakhil Consumer Complaint Filing |
National Cybercrime Reporting Portal
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