Background and Timeline: Reported on February 7, 2026, around 10 online shopping fraud cases have been identified across Vizag city in recent weeks. The investigation was triggered by a series of complaints from residents who were duped by social media ads. This incident highlights the festive-season spike in retail-based digital scams targeting consumers.

Modus Operandi: Scammers used social media reels and fake websites to advertise heavily discounted clothes. Once an order was placed, they contacted the victim, demanding “processing” or “delivery” fees repeatedly. In one instance, a woman made transactions totaling ₹55,000 as fraudsters refused to return her initial payment without additional charges.

Victims and Financial Impact: Ten victims cumulatively lost over ₹6 lakh, with individual losses ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹1 lakh. Police noted that over 80% of victims were educated and aware of cybercrime but still fell for emotional triggers. Scammers exploit festive demand to attract shoppers to fake portals with “huge discounts”.

Investigation and Agencies Involved: Vizag Cyber Crime Police are investigating the payment gateways used by the bogus shopping portals. They are analyzing the mobile numbers and UPI IDs provided to victims for payment. Authorities have urged the public to use only verified online shopping sites and secure payment methods.

Arrests and Suspects: No arrests have been made yet as the suspects used temporary websites and untraceable digital wallets. Investigators are working to identify the individuals who managed the social media pages used for the fraudulent advertisements. The scammers are believed to be operating from specialized retail fraud hubs.

Broader Implications and Trends: This case demonstrates that education alone is not a sufficient defense against behavior-based scams. Scammers are increasingly using social media “reels” because they appear more engaging than traditional text ads. The use of emotional triggers like “cancellation charges” is a rising trend to squeeze more money.