A deceptive online retail scam targeting shoppers ahead of the upcoming wedding season has emerged in Sangrur, Punjab. Cyber fraudsters created multiple duplicate social media accounts mimicking a well-known local apparel retailer, exploiting the shop's established market reputation to siphon money from unsuspecting buyers without delivering the promised goods.
Stolen Reels and Discount Baits Used to Mislead Buyers
The fraudulent scheme operates through a calculated digital setup. Scammers begin by downloading genuine product reels and video clips of designer suits posted by the authentic store on its official social media handles. They subsequently establish fake profiles using identical business branding and re-upload the stolen footage. To lure potential customers quickly, the operators list these garments at prices significantly lower than actual market rates and the store's original pricing. Shoppers seeking affordable festive clothing online frequently fall into this pricing trap.
Advance Transfers Followed by Complete Disconnection
Whenever customers initiate inquiries on these fraudulent accounts to place orders, the scammers instruct them to make upfront payments into specified bank accounts. Eager to secure the discounted items, buyers transfer the requested amounts electronically. Immediately after the funds are credited, the fraudsters cease all communication, reject incoming telephone calls, and provide neither order tracking nor refunds.
Victims Arrive at Physical Store Seeking Undelivered Orders
The owner of the genuine business, Aarav Garg, noted that numerous defrauded women have been arriving directly at his physical store over the past 15 to 20 days. These customers report that they completed purchases and dispatched money through what appeared to be the store's online handle, only to receive no merchandise. The management has had to explain to these shoppers that the transactions occurred on fraudulent pages created by third-party scammers using the store's trade name.
Cyber Crime Investigation and Safe Buying Practices
Aarav Garg lodged a formal complaint with the cyber crime police station in Sangrur regarding the duplicate handles and customer harassment. Investigating officers assured the business owner that appropriate technical measures would be deployed to deactivate the counterfeit accounts and apprehend the perpetrators. Shoppers browsing clothing collections on social platforms are advised to verify seller authenticity thoroughly before remitting money. Verifying physical premises through live video communication and avoiding unrealistically cheap pricing can prevent substantial financial losses.
