How do I avoid fraud when buying or selling online?
Buy only when you can confirm who the seller is, and prefer payment options that protect you, such as paying inside the platform or cash on delivery. A very low price, pressure to decide fast and a request for advance payment by UPI outside the app are the most common signs of fraud.
In person-to-person sales – groups, marketplaces, social media – the fraudster lists something they do not have, takes the payment and vanishes. It also happens the other way round: a "buyer" sends you a QR code or a collect request and says you will "receive" money – but scanning it or entering your UPI PIN only sends money out.
Before you pay
- Be careful with a price far below the market.
- Do not leave the app to pay outside it.
- Search for the seller's name, number and username together with the word "fraud".
- Ask for a video of the product with your name written on a piece of paper.
- If you are selling: you never need to scan a QR code or enter your UPI PIN to receive money. Check in your bank app that the money has really arrived – do not trust a screenshot.
Frequently asked questions
- The seller has many good reviews. Can I trust them?
- It helps, but reviews can be bought or come from another account. Look at how old the profile is.
Want to know if there are warning signs about the person you are talking to? Veritaza checks the photos, messages, mobile number, email ID, name and ID card, for ₹289.
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