Online shopping has become an integral part of our lives, offering convenience, variety, and easy access to products. However, it has also opened doors for fraudulent sellers, fake websites, misleading advertisements, and payment scams.
Many consumers in India have fallen victim to non-delivery of products, fake goods, unauthorized transactions, and refund refusals. But you don’t have to suffer in silence! The Indian legal system provides strong protection against online shopping scams.
This blog will help you understand your legal rights, steps to take if you are scammed, and how to seek justice through consumer courts. Read on to stay informed and protect yourself from online frauds! 🚨
Common Online Shopping Scams You Must Watch Out For
1. Non-Delivery of Orders
🔹 You place an order and make the payment, but the product never arrives.
🔹 The seller stops responding or the website disappears.
📌 Example: You order a smartphone from an Instagram ad, but after paying ₹15,000, the seller blocks your number.
💡 Legal Remedy:
✔️ File a consumer complaint and demand a full refund.
✔️ If the seller is untraceable, report it as cyber fraud to Cyber Crime Cell (cybercrime.gov.in).
2. Receiving Fake, Wrong, or Defective Products
🔹 You order a branded item, but receive a cheap duplicate or used product.
🔹 The product doesn’t match the description on the website.
📌 Example: You buy a Nike shoe, but receive a low-quality duplicate with fake branding.
💡 Legal Remedy:
✔️ Consumer Protection Act, 2019 allows you to demand a refund or replacement.
✔️ File a misleading advertisement complaint against the seller.
✅ File a complaint on the National Consumer Helpline: consumerhelpline.gov.in
3. Fake E-Commerce Websites & Social Media Scams
🔹 Scammers create fake online stores that look like real shopping sites.
🔹 They collect payments but never deliver any product.
📌 Example: A website advertises branded watches at 80% off, but after paying, you realize it’s a scam site.
💡 Legal Remedy:
✔️ Check website authenticity before making payments.
✔️ Report fraud websites to the Cyber Crime Portal: cybercrime.gov.in.
4. No Refund or Return Policy
🔹 Many sellers deny refunds, even when their product is defective or different.
🔹 Some sites claim “Easy Returns”, but refuse to accept returns.
📌 Example: You buy a designer dress, but receive a cheap fabric replica. The seller refuses to accept returns.
💡 Legal Remedy:
✔️ Check refund policies before purchasing.
✔️ If denied a genuine refund, file a consumer complaint.
✅ National Consumer Helpline: consumerhelpline.gov.in
5. Payment Fraud & Unauthorized Transactions
🔹 Fraudulent websites steal your card details and make unauthorized deductions.
🔹 Some sellers charge extra fees without informing customers.
📌 Example: You pay ₹5,000 for an item, but your card is charged twice, and the seller refuses a refund.
💡 Legal Remedy:
✔️ Contact your bank and request a chargeback.
✔️ Report the fraud at Cyber Crime Portal: cybercrime.gov.in.
✔️ As per RBI guidelines, banks must refund unauthorized transactions within 5 days.
Legal Protections for Online Shoppers in India 🇮🇳
India has strong consumer protection laws to safeguard online buyers. If you have been scammed, you can take legal action under these laws:
1. Consumer Protection Act, 2019
✔️ Protects consumers from e-commerce frauds & unfair practices.
✔️ Allows you to claim refunds, replacements, and compensation.
✔️ Punishes misleading advertisements and deceptive sellers.
📌 How to File a Complaint?
National Consumer Helpline: 📞 1800-11-4000
E-Daakhil Portal for Online Complaints: edaakhil.nic.in
2. Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000
✔️ Protects consumers from online fraud, data theft, and cyber scams.
✔️ Allows victims to report hacked transactions, phishing, and scam websites.
📌 Where to Report Online Fraud?
✅ Cyber Crime Portal: cybercrime.gov.in
3. Indian Penal Code (IPC) – Fraud & Cheating
✔️ Section 420: Punishes fraudulent sellers who take money but don’t deliver products.
✔️ Section 415: Covers cases of cheating and misrepresentation.
📌 How to File an FIR?
✅ Visit the nearest police station and report online shopping fraud under IPC Sections 415 & 420.
4. RBI Guidelines for Digital Payments
✔️ Banks must refund unauthorized transactions within 5 days.
✔️ If a seller does not process a refund, you can file a complaint with RBI.
📌 Where to Report?
✅ RBI Ombudsman: rbi.org.in
Steps to Take If You Get Scammed Online
✅ Step 1: Contact the Seller First – Request a refund or replacement.
✅ Step 2: File a Complaint on the National Consumer Helpline – consumerhelpline.gov.in
✅ Step 3: Report Online Fraud to Cyber Crime Cell – cybercrime.gov.in
✅ Step 4: File a Case in Consumer Court (If Needed) – Use edaakhil.nic.in to file complaints online.
💡 Pro Tip: Save all receipts, chat records, and transaction details to strengthen your case.
How to Avoid Online Shopping Scams?
✔️ Shop only on trusted websites – Look for https:// in the URL.
✔️ Read customer reviews on multiple platforms – Not just on the seller’s site.
✔️ Beware of deals that seem “too good to be true” – Scammers often offer unrealistic discounts.
✔️ Use a credit card or secure UPI apps – Avoid direct bank transfers.
✔️ Enable two-factor authentication for online payments.
Final Thoughts: Know Your Rights & Take Action!
The rise of online shopping scams makes it crucial for every Indian consumer to be aware of their legal rights.
💡 If you ever face an online fraud, act fast! File complaints, demand refunds, and take legal action against fraudsters.
📢 Legal awareness is key! Share this blog to educate more people and help create a scam-free digital India! 🇮🇳
💬 Have you faced an online shopping scam? Tell us in the comments!