E-commerce scams in India have escalated significantly in recent years, fueled by rapid digital
adoption, increased online shopping, and sophisticated cybercrime tactics. Here's an overview of the
current landscape:
📊 E-Commerce Fraud Statistics (2024–2025)
Total Financial Losses: Digital financial frauds amounted to ₹4,245 crore in the first 10
months of FY 2024–25, involving over 2.4 million incidents. This marks a 67% increase from
the previous year. Business Standard
Platform Fraud Dominance: According to PwC, 57% of all fraud incidents in India are
classified as platform frauds, encompassing e-commerce, fintech, and social media
platforms. The Times of India
🛒 Common E-Commerce Scams in India
1. Deepfake Shopping Scams
Fraudsters use AI-generated deepfake videos and voice cloning to impersonate celebrities or
company executives, promoting fake products or investment schemes. For instance, deepfakes of
figures like MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli were used to endorse fraudulent betting apps. India Today
2. Online Task Fraud
Scammers offer small tasks, such as rating restaurants, promising high returns. Victims are
encouraged to reinvest, leading to significant financial losses. A recent case involved an individual
losing over ₹15 lakh in such a scheme. The Times of India+1The Times of India+1
3. Fake Digital Payment Screens
Fraudsters present doctored screenshots of digital payment confirmations to claim products without
actual payment. A notable incident in Kolkata involved a woman acquiring a gold chain worth
₹55,807 using a fake NEFT payment confirmation. The Times of India
4. Investment and Trading Scams
Victims are lured into fake investment opportunities through manipulated trading platforms or
WhatsApp groups. One case reported a loss of ₹2.3 crore after being deceived by fraudulent financial
advisors. The Times of India
5. SIM Closure Fraud
Scammers impersonate the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), sending fake messages or
calls about SIM card closures due to alleged fraud. These communications aim to steal sensitive
personal information. Wikipedia
Government and Industry Measures
DigiKavach Initiative: Launched by Google in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs
and the Cyber Crime Helpline (1930), DigiKavach aims to protect users from online fraud and
enhance digital literacy. Wikipedia
Citizen Financial Cyberfraud Reporting and Management System: Introduced to enable
immediate reporting of financial frauds, helping prevent further loss of funds. Over ₹4,386
crore has been saved through this system based on 1.3 million complaints. Business Standard
⚠️Tips to Protect Yourself from E-Commerce Scams
Verify Payment Screens: Always cross-check payment confirmations with your bank before
releasing goods or services.The Times of India
Be Cautious with Offers: Avoid deals that seem too good to be true, especially those
promoted via social media or unsolicited messages.
Use Trusted Platforms: Shop only on reputable e-commerce websites and apps.
Report Suspicious Activity: Use the Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) to report any fraudulent
activities.Wikipedia
Educate Yourself: Stay informed about common scams and share knowledge with friends
and family to prevent victimization.
