Hyderabad: Bizman loses Rs 2.69 lakh in fake e-commerce scheme

Hyderabad: A city-based businessman lost Rs 2.69 lakh after being lured with a fake offer to purchase returned goods from e-commerce platforms Amazon and Flipkart at discounted prices.

According to police, the fraudster contacted the businessman over the phone, claiming to be a senior executive handling wholesale sales of returned stock from major online retailers. He convinced the victim that large quantities of returned items—such as school bags, fans, shoes, and watches—were available at low prices and would be delivered to his doorstep.

To appear credible, the accused sent copies of Aadhaar, PAN, and Voter ID via WhatsApp, which seemed authentic. Trusting the sender, the businessman placed an order for 750 school bags, 25 mist fans, and 60 regular fans.

The fraudster claimed the items were being transported from West Bengal and would reach Hyderabad within five days. He asked for advance payment of transport charges, following which the victim transferred Rs 18,000.

However, the promised delivery never arrived. When the businessman followed up, the fraudster offered various excuses—including vehicle breakdowns and delays near Warangal—and requested additional payments. Over time, the victim transferred a total of Rs 2.69 lakh in multiple installments.

After repeated delays and no delivery, the businessman realized he had been deceived and lodged a complaint with the Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police. Authorities have registered a case and launched an investigation.