Shopping and delivery scams on social media
On Instagram, Facebook or YouTube the scam can be an ad, a direct message, a giveaway or a "trader" who shows profits.
Guides
Fake Online Store Advertised on Instagram and FacebookA slick shop with huge discounts appears in your feed, takes your UPI or card payment and ships…Instagram Boutique Seller Asking for Advance PaymentA small Instagram page sells sarees, jewellery or gadgets by DM, takes an advance by UPI and then…Fake Product Review and Rating Task ScamYou are paid a few rupees to rate products, then asked to deposit money for bigger tasks that…Lookalike Brand Website with a Clearance SaleA site that copies a famous brand's name with one letter changed offers a huge sale. It takes…Flat Rental Token Advance ScamA too-cheap flat or PG listing asks for a token to hold it, then the 'owner' disappears. See how…WhatsApp Group Reseller and Bulk Product OfferA WhatsApp group promises wholesale prices and easy resale profits for an upfront payment, then…PG and Hostel Booking Advance ScamA PG or hostel listing with cheap rent asks for a booking advance, then vanishes or shows a…Second-Hand Car Sale Deposit ScamA used car listed far below market asks for a token and a transport fee, then disappears. Learn…Cricket and Event Ticket Resale ScamTickets for a sold-out match or concert offered on social media may be fake or sold many times.…Gaming ID and Top-Up Sale ScamCheap in-game currency or a high-level ID for sale leads to a stolen login or lost advance. See…Pilgrimage and Holiday Package Booking ScamA cheap pilgrimage or holiday package takes an advance, then the hotel and travel bookings do not…Fake Land and Plot Seller Advance ScamA seller offers a plot or flat at a low price, takes a booking advance, and the property belongs…Electric Vehicle Dealership Booking ScamA deal on a popular electric scooter or car asks for a booking amount from a fake dealer or copied…Wedding Vendor Advance Booking ScamA wedding photographer, caterer or hall offers a discounted package for an advance, then vanishes…
Check before you act
- A stranger moves the chat to WhatsApp or Telegram.
- A prize needs a payment or a code first.
- The profile is new, or the followers are bots.
- The offer is far better than any normal shop or job.
More: all shopping and delivery scams · all scams on social media
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Safeavio Sentinel is a made-in-India Android app: paste a message or link, or scan a QR code, and get a plain verdict with the reasons. It helps you spot a scam; it does not promise to stop every one.
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