A nurse working at a private hospital in Mumbai allegedly lost around Rs 1 lakh in an online scam after attempting to purchase a dress advertised for Rs 299 on Facebook, police said. According to officials from Deonar police station, the incident occurred between April 16 and April 20 when the victim responded to a social media advertisement offering heavily discounted dresses.
After the initial payment, the seller allegedly demanded additional charges under several pretexts such as shipping, verification and GPS tracking fees, while repeatedly assuring the nurse that most of the amount would be refunded and the product delivered.
Trusting these assurances, she continued making payments until the amount reached nearly Rs 1 lakh. When the dress was never delivered and refunds did not materialise, she approached the Cyber Crime Helpline and filed a police complaint. Authorities have registered a case and launched an investigation into the suspected fraud.
Rs 299 Deal Turns Costly
According to the complaint filed with the police, the nurse came across a Facebook advertisement promoting dresses at a steeply discounted price of Rs 299. Attracted by the offer, she contacted the seller and placed an order. Police officials said she was asked to make an initial payment to confirm the purchase. Shortly afterwards, the seller allegedly began asking for additional payments, citing various logistical reasons.
Investigators said the accused reportedly demanded money for shipping charges, GPS tracking fees, delivery verification and address confirmation. Each time the victim transferred money, she was allegedly assured that the extra amount would be refunded soon and that the dress would be dispatched once the formalities were completed. Trusting the seller and expecting the promised refund, the nurse continued making payments over several days.
Police said the repeated requests gradually increased the total amount transferred. By the time the nurse realised that the promises of refunds and delivery were not being honoured, she had already paid close to Rs 1 lakh. Officials said the fraudsters appeared to have exploited the victim’s trust by creating a sense of urgency and using seemingly plausible explanations for each payment request.
Probe After Cyber Helpline Complaint
When the product failed to arrive and communication with the seller became suspicious, the nurse reportedly contacted the national Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) before filing a formal complaint with the police. Officials from Deonar police station subsequently registered a case and began investigating the matter.
According to preliminary findings, the transaction was initiated through a Facebook advertisement that directed the victim to communicate via a messaging platform, where further payment instructions were shared. Police believe the fraudsters may have used fake identities and digital payment channels to collect the money.
Authorities are now analysing the digital trail, including phone numbers, payment accounts and online profiles linked to the scam. Investigators are also attempting to determine whether the suspects are part of a larger cyber fraud network that targets people through fake online shopping deals.
Police officials said cases involving fraudulent social media advertisements and online shopping scams have been increasing in recent years. Cyber criminals often lure victims with extremely low prices, convincing visuals and limited-time offers designed to encourage quick decisions. Once the victim makes the first payment, additional charges are demanded under different pretexts, gradually increasing the financial loss.
Experts Urge Caution In Social Shopping
Cyber safety experts say scams linked to fake advertisements and online shopping have become increasingly sophisticated, particularly on social media platforms where sellers may not undergo strict verification. Fraudsters often design advertisements that appear genuine, sometimes copying images and branding from legitimate e-commerce platforms.
Experts advise consumers to be cautious when encountering deals that appear unusually cheap or unrealistic. They recommend checking the credibility of sellers, verifying whether the website or page has authentic reviews, and confirming whether the seller is linked to a recognised e-commerce platform.
Another key precaution highlighted by experts is to avoid making repeated payments for additional charges after an initial purchase. In legitimate transactions, most costs such as shipping or taxes are typically disclosed upfront. Requests for multiple payments under new pretexts should be treated as a warning sign.
Experts also emphasise the importance of using secure payment methods and avoiding direct transfers to unknown accounts or mobile wallets. If a transaction appears suspicious, individuals are encouraged to immediately contact the Cyber Crime Helpline or report the issue on the government’s cyber crime reporting portal to increase the chances of recovering funds and preventing further fraud.
Raising awareness about common scam tactics, experts say, is one of the most effective ways to reduce such incidents. Educating users about digital safety, verifying sellers and recognising red flags can help individuals protect themselves from falling victim to online fraud.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This incident highlights how cyber criminals often exploit trust, urgency and attractive discounts to trap unsuspecting people online. With the growing popularity of digital shopping and social media marketplaces, scams like these serve as an important reminder that convenience must be balanced with caution.
While law enforcement agencies continue to strengthen cybercrime investigations, preventing such incidents also requires collective responsibility. Social media platforms must enhance verification systems for advertisers, ensure stronger monitoring of suspicious listings and provide users with clearer warnings about potential scams.
