Since more individuals have started utilizing the internet to its maximum extent, there has been an increase in online fraud. This man attempted to sell his furniture online but was duped twice, costing him Rs. 1 lakh. The buyer had called and requested to pay via Google Pay or Paytm. When the deal was completed, the seller sent the money rather than receiving it. This is what actually transpired.
An individual from Thane, Mumbai, published a Facebook advertisement for the furniture he wished to sell. The con artist came across this ad while searching for advertising on Facebook, Olx, and Quicker, and he identified his victim. He called the person after identifying the probable target and inquired about the item. He agreed to send the desired amount without even attempting to haggle.
He insisted on using online UPI payment methods like Paytm or Google Pay, nevertheless. The vendor agreed right away because he was eager to sell the item for the desired sum. The con artist demanded getting the same amount while he was pretending to transfer money, as opposed to actually sending any.
Due to ignorance, the victim shared the OTP, and the money was taken out of his account. The con artist then apologised, claiming it was an error and that he would quickly refund the money. He urged the victim to share the OTP once more because the seller trusted him, and once more he received the same amount debited to his account.
This swindle netted the con artist about Rs. 1.01 lakh. At this point, the victim realized he had been duped despite his repeated assurances that he would repay the money.
Never disclose any OTPs to strangers in order to avoid falling victim to such scams. Please be aware that receiving money does not require an OTP, but sending money does.
How to identify if a buyer or seller is fake?
- When a buyer pretends to have transferred you money via Google-Pe, Phone-Pe, etc., but the money is really taken from your account.
- The buyer requests that you ship the item before they pay for it or offers phony payment documentation.
- The buyer will request the item without first checking it and will deceive by giving fake payment confirmations, messages, etc.
- Demand for non-cash payment methods: Usually, the buyer is adamant about utilizing a cheque. Note that banks are not liable if cheques bounce.
- The buyer requests personal data such as your ID, bank account information, email address, and debit or credit card number.
How to avoid getting scammed?
1. Verify details of buyer/seller before proceeding to payment.
2. Any individual showing urgency or not waiting for a reasonable amount of time is likely to be a scammer.
3. You should never scan a QR code, share an OTP, or visit a link given by anyone on the internet.
4. Your One Time Password (OTP), UPI pin, and other secret information should not be shared on WhatsApp. Never provide banking information if anyone asks you to, and always contact your bank. There is a possibility of fraud here.
5. It is recommended that digital escrow platforms be used for payments. When making an online payment with Escrow, you do not share your financial information with anyone. There is a platform for escrow called Vouch.
Digital Escrow Service In India.
Many companies in India offer digital escrow services. Among the most trusted is Vouch.
Vouch’s Digital Escrow service is a transparent way for buyers and sellers to build trust and secure a clean transfer of product and payment. Sellers can feel assured that they will be fairly compensated promptly, and buyers will feel confident that their order will be delivered as expected and on schedule. Vouch Digital Escrow keeps you updated and informed at every step of the transaction process till the end. Vouch’s professionals are always available to assist you with any queries that you may have during the entire transaction process.
There is no scope for deceit or fraud since the payments, shipping, delivery, and execution are carried out under the honest and watchful eyes of the Vouch’s professionals. With Vouch, any business transaction becomes transparent, uncomplicated, and hassle-free.
Check back here to learn more about escrow and how to protect yourself from fraud.
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Safety is not just about protecting your credit, debit card numbers, and UPI accounts. It's about having control of your money till you've received the product or service you bought online!
Note: This is a good-faith initiative to educate the world about avoiding frauds like these and how to act when you're becoming a victim of such a situation.
Do you have a fraud you would like to report? Please write to us at letstalk@iamvouched.com
As you're now aware of the importance of online safety, let's get your transactions secure on Vouch. It's just a click away.
