Telangana Cyber Security Bureau warns against fake online sale scams
Synopsis
The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau has sounded the alarm on a wave of fake online sale scams — counterfeit websites, fraudulent UPI links, and bogus customer care numbers targeting shoppers lured by 'too good to be true' discounts. Director Shikha Goel's advisory doubles as a checklist every digital shopper in India needs right now.
Key Takeaways
TGCSB Director Shikha Goel issued the advisory on 13 July , warning against fake online sale scams across Telangana .
Fraudsters use counterfeit e-commerce websites, fake social media ads, and unsolicited WhatsApp , SMS , and email links to lure buyers.
Payments are typically demanded via UPI , QR codes , or direct bank transfers — outside secure platform gateways.
Key red flags include implausibly low prices, unverified domains, no seller reviews, and high-pressure urgency messages.
Victims should call the National Cybercrime Helpline 1930 and file complaints at www.cybercrime.gov.in immediately.
The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) on Monday, 13 July issued a public advisory cautioning citizens across Hyderabad and the state against a surge in online shopping fraud, where cybercriminals exploit flash sales, seasonal discounts, clearance events, and exclusive digital offers to dupe unsuspecting buyers.
How the Scam Works
TGCSB Director Shikha Goel outlined the common methods used by fraudsters: creating counterfeit websites that mimic popular e-commerce platforms, impersonating well-known brands, circulating misleading advertisements on social media, and distributing fraudulent links via WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS, and email — all dangling products at unrealistically low prices.
Once a buyer is lured in, fraudsters demand advance payments through UPI, QR codes, or direct bank transfers. Fake customer care numbers are also deployed to harvest banking details from victims who call seeking help.
Red Flags to Watch For
According to Director Goel, shoppers should treat the following as warning signs: prices that appear implausibly cheap, unverified or newly registered domains, requests for payment outside the official platform, absence of customer reviews or seller ratings, and high-pressure messages such as 'Only a few items left' or 'Offer expires in 10 minutes.' Sellers insisting on advance payment without a secure checkout are also a significant red flag.
Safety Measures Advised by TGCSB
The bureau has urged citizens to shop exclusively through trusted, official e-commerce platforms and to verify website URLs before completing any transaction. Residents have been advised to avoid clicking on shopping links received via unsolicited messages and to check seller ratings, reviews, and return policies before purchasing.
Goel specifically cautioned against making payments directly to personal bank accounts or unverified UPI IDs, recommending instead that buyers use only the secure payment gateways provided by the platform itself.
What Victims Should Do
'If you become a victim, immediately contact your bank and report the fraudulent transaction. Preserve screenshots, payment receipts, order details, and conversations. Report the incident through the National Cybercrime Helpline — 1930. Lodge a complaint at www.cybercrime.gov.in without delay,' Goel said.
She added: 'Cybercriminals exploit attractive discounts and limited-time offers to lure victims. If an offer appears too good to be true, verify before you buy. Think before you click. Verify before you pay.'
Broader Context
This advisory comes amid a documented rise in e-commerce fraud across India, particularly during peak shopping seasons. The TGCSB has been increasingly active in issuing public warnings as digital payment adoption accelerates and more first-time online shoppers enter the market — a demographic that cybercriminals actively target. Citizens who encounter suspicious links or websites are encouraged to report them through official cybercrime channels without delay.
Point of View
But it also highlights a structural gap: India's rapid expansion of digital payments has outpaced consumer awareness, creating fertile ground for UPI and e-commerce fraud. Issuing advisories after fraud patterns are established is reactive by design — the harder question is why platforms and telecom providers aren't doing more to block fraudulent links before they reach users' inboxes. Until there is coordinated action between cybercrime bureaus, payment aggregators, and social media platforms, advisories like this will remain necessary but insufficient.
NationPress
13 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the TGCSB warning about fake online sales?
The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau has warned citizens against cybercriminals who create fake e-commerce websites and circulate fraudulent discount links via WhatsApp, SMS, and email to steal money. The advisory was issued on 13 July by TGCSB Director Shikha Goel.
How do fake online sale scams work?
Fraudsters build counterfeit websites resembling popular shopping platforms, promote them through social media ads and messaging apps, and then demand advance payment via UPI, QR codes, or direct bank transfers. Victims either receive counterfeit goods or nothing at all.
What are the red flags of a fake online shopping site?
Key warning signs include prices that seem too good to be true, newly registered or unverified domains, no customer reviews or seller ratings, requests for payment outside the official platform, and urgent messages like 'Only a few items left' or 'Offer expires in 10 minutes.'
What should I do if I fall victim to an online shopping scam?
Contact your bank immediately to report the fraudulent transaction and preserve all evidence — screenshots, payment receipts, order details, and chat records. Then call the National Cybercrime Helpline at 1930 or file a complaint at www.cybercrime.gov.in.
How can I shop safely online and avoid cyber fraud?
Shop only on trusted, official e-commerce platforms and verify the website URL before any purchase. Avoid clicking links received through unsolicited messages, check seller ratings and return policies, and never transfer payments to personal bank accounts or unknown UPI IDs.
