Vizag Hit by Online Shopping Scams: Over Rs 6 Lakh Lost in 10 Fraud Cases
Visakhapatnam has witnessed a surge in online shopping fraud cases, with approximately 10 incidents reported across the city in recent weeks. According to police reports, victims have collectively lost more than Rs 6 lakh to cyber criminals operating deceptive schemes on social media and fake websites.
How the Scams Unfold
In a typical case, a woman encountered an advertisement for clothing on a social media page. She contacted the seller, placed an order, and shortly after received a phone call demanding payment for the product along with additional processing and delivery fees. Despite paying around Rs 55,000 through multiple transactions, she was repeatedly asked for more money under the guise of extra charges.
When she attempted to cancel the order and request a refund, the fraudsters demanded cancellation fees, confirming her suspicions of a scam. She subsequently filed a complaint with the Vizag cybercrime police, urging action against the perpetrators.
Widespread Impact Across the City
Similar incidents have affected around 10 individuals from various parts of Visakhapatnam, with losses ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 1 lakh per victim. These cases often begin with victims viewing social media reels promoting products, placing orders, and then facing refusal of refunds or demands for cancellation charges when they try to back out.
Police highlight that scammers frequently create counterfeit websites during festival seasons, luring shoppers with massive discounts only to steal their money. Authorities emphasize the importance of using verified online shopping platforms and secure payment methods to avoid such traps.
A Disturbing Trend Among Educated Victims
Despite ongoing public alerts, police note a concerning pattern: over 80 percent of victims in these online and social media frauds are educated and aware of cyber threats. This underscores the sophisticated tactics employed by fraudsters, who exploit trust and urgency to deceive even vigilant consumers.
Cybercrime officials in Vizag are actively investigating these cases and urge the public to exercise caution, verify seller credentials, and report any suspicious activities immediately to prevent further losses.
