Online shopping scams: Fake social media pages copying Flipkart duping buyers

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Police have issued a warning against a rising cyber fraud scheme operating across social media platforms that exploits the brand value of e-commerce major Flipkart to dupe shoppers under the guise of clearance sales.

According to the police, fraudsters are creating deceptive advertisements and fake pages designed to closely mimic Flipkart's official Facebook page. These ads lure unsuspecting users by offering high-end smartphones, laptops, and various other electronic gadgets at incredibly low prices. When users click on the links embedded in these advertisements, they are redirected to either a spoofed website clone or a private WhatsApp number controlled by the scammers.

To pressure victims into quick transactions, the fraudsters deploy high-pressure tactics using phrases like "limited stock" or "only a few hours left for the offer to end." Victims are then prompted to pay various upfront costs under the pretext of booking fees, advance payments, delivery charges, or offer confirmation fees. The moment the money is transferred, the perpetrators sever all communication with the victim.

In light of these deceptive practices, the authorities have urged the public to remain highly vigilant. The police advised that advertisements offering premium products at suspiciously cheap rates should be treated as potential scams. Consumers are instructed to verify the authenticity of any such offers directly through the official Flipkart mobile application or its verified website, rather than relying on social media links.

Furthermore, citizens are cautioned against making financial transactions or sharing personal data through unverified links. The police strongly advised against transferring money to unfamiliar bank accounts or unverified Unified Payments Interface (UPI) IDs. They also emphasised that sensitive security credentials, including One-Time Passwords (OTPs), bank account details, credit or debit card information, CVV numbers, and PINs, must never be shared under any circumstances.

Individuals who fall victim to such cyber frauds are urged to report the crime immediately by contacting the dedicated national cybercrime helpline at 1930. Alternatively, complaints can be lodged online via the official government portal at www.cybercrime.gov.in.