Hyderabad man loses ₹1.9 lakh in fake Big Basket online grocery scam

HYDERABAD: A 36-year-old man from Yousufguda, Hyderabad, lost ₹1.97 lakh in a cyber fraud after attempting to buy groceries from a fake website impersonating Big Basket.

Victim tricked through fake website

According to the complaint, the victim placed an order on September 30, 2025, on an unknown online grocery site offering unusually low prices. Two days later, he received a call from a person claiming to be from Big Basket’s customer care, who told him that a payment was pending. The caller sent an APK file through WhatsApp, asking the victim to install it to complete the payment. The victim transferred ₹360 through the link provided, but soon received a message showing a large unauthorised debit from his credit card.

Though he had not shared any one-time password (OTP), the transaction was completed. Later, he realised that call forwarding had been activated on his phone without his knowledge, allowing the fraudsters to intercept security messages.

₹1.97 lakh lost; public warned against online fraud

In total, the victim lost ₹1,97,497. Officials urged citizens not to make purchases from unverified websites or links shared via messages, pop-ups, or social media ads. They advised users to verify the official websites or mobile apps of companies before making payments and to avoid installing APK files received through WhatsApp or other unofficial sources, as they may contain spyware.

People were also advised not to share OTPs or banking credentials, to regularly check bank and credit card statements, and to report suspicious messages or calls to the cybercrime helpline 1930 or at www.cybercrime.gov.in.

For urgent help, victims may contact the local cybercrime team on 8712665171 (call or WhatsApp).