Fraudsters lure people with unrealistically low prices, impersonate prominent e-commerce platforms: Telangana Cyber Security Bureau
The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau has issued a warning regarding a surge in online shopping scams where fraudsters impersonate e-commerce platforms. Criminals are using fake websites and social media ads to lure victims with unrealistic discounts before stealing payment information.
Why it matters
As digital commerce grows, these warnings are essential for protecting consumers from increasingly sophisticated financial fraud and identity theft.
The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) has cautioned online shoppers against fraudulent sale offers, warning that cybercriminals are exploiting discount seasons and flash sales to cheat consumers.
In an advisory issued on Monday (July 13, 2026), the Bureau said fraudsters were creating fake shopping websites, impersonating well-known e-commerce platforms and circulating deceptive advertisements on social media to lure victims with unrealistically low prices.
According to the TGCSB, cybercriminals also share fraudulent shopping links through WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS and email, directing users to counterfeit websites that closely resemble genuine e-commerce portals.
Police said the fraudsters typically advertise steep discounts on branded products and persuade customers to make advance payments through UPI, QR codes or direct bank transfers. In some cases, fake customer care numbers are used to obtain payment or banking details from unsuspecting buyers.
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