Representative image of online shopping scam.
Credit: iStock Photo
Online shopping platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and others keep coming up with great deals and sale for their consumers. As we are nearing August 15, on the occasion of the Independence Day, such e-commerce platforms offer massive discounts on various items.
However, one needs to be careful while shopping online, as they can be vulnerable to scams. Recently, Mukund P Unny, an Advocate on Record, Supreme Court shared his experience on X handle of getting scammed while shopping online.
Unny had ordered an iPhone 15 in July in exchange of iPhone 13. After providing the delivery executive with the OTP, and exchange of phone, the executive asked for another OTP. He then asked to return the product as the exchange was not finalised, and that the phone will be delivered again.
However, upon inquiring with the Amazon team, Unny got the refund for the phone he had ordered.
Such scams could happen with anybody. Let us take a look at how one can be cautious while ordering things online during the sale.
Take note
As offline delivery scams are possible, one should take note of the delivery person and the date and time of the product handover, and keep the receipt safe.
Delivery location
Do not agree to meet the delivery executive in any other location other that the assigned location.
Gadget installments
If there are gadgets you have purchased that need to be installed by a professional, call for their official installation service team.
Returns and replacements
Hand over your returns or replacement items to designated executives only.
Delivery phone calls
Do not answer phone calls that have come on deliver agents' phone or take random calls as they could possibly be scammers.
In case of complaints
If there are any queries or complaints, reach out to the official contact provided on the website or app. If the delivery agent asks for additional money, write up a complaint to the shopping platform.
Sharing the OTP
While receiving the parcel, never share the OTP with anyone apart from the delivery executive. And once you have shared the OTP and the item shows as 'delivered' on the app, do not give it back.
Record the unboxing of parcel
Consider video recording the unpacking of the parcel, so that if there is any fault in the item, you can file a formal complaint along with evidence. This is necessary to see if you have received the correct product that you had ordered.