Hyderabad businessman loses Rs. 2.6 lakh in fake Flipkart-Amazon return stock scam
Hyderabad: A 33-year-old businessman from Hyderabad lost ₹2,69,530 after falling victim to an online scam involving fake wholesale deals on return stock from major e-commerce platforms.
The incident began on April 9, 2025, when the victim received a phone call from the number 8100551232, which was later traced to Kolkata. The caller introduced himself as a dealer of return stock from Flipkart and Amazon. He claimed to offer various items such as school bags, fans, crockery, watches, shoes, and other goods at wholesale prices. Interested, the victim asked for photos of some of the items, specifically school bags and fans. In response, the caller shared pictures of school bags.
To gain the victim’s trust, the caller sent scanned copies of his Aadhaar card, Voter ID, and PAN card. The victim cross-verified the Aadhaar and Voter ID online and found them to be valid. Convinced, the victim placed an order for 750 school bags, 25 mist fans, and 60 regular fans. The fraudster claimed that the goods were booked through a transport service named MAA VAISHNO TRANSPORT and promised doorstep delivery within five days. An initial payment of ₹18,000 was made.
When the delivery was delayed, the fraudster claimed that the stock was stuck in Warangal. The victim asked for a refund, but the caller reassured him that the stock would be delivered by April 28. However, when the victim attempted to contact the transport company directly, he discovered that the provided phone number was fake. Further inquiries revealed that no such transport company exists in Bardhaman, West Bengal, as claimed by the caller.
After repeated follow-ups, the fraudster sent a train ticket, claiming he was personally traveling to Hyderabad to deliver the goods. Shortly after, he switched off his phone, although he remained active on WhatsApp. Over a span of a few weeks, the victim made multiple transfers, totaling ₹2,69,530. Eventually realizing he had been defrauded, he filed an online complaint and is now seeking assistance from cybercrime authorities.
Public Advisory
- Be cautious of unsolicited calls offering wholesale stock, especially those claiming links to Flipkart or Amazon.
- Do not trust ID proofs shared over WhatsApp. Always verify identities through official government portals.
- Avoid making advance payments without verifying the legitimacy of the business or transporter.
- Do not rely on verbal promises, fake transport slips, or travel tickets as proof of shipment.
- Verify business credentials such as GSTIN, trade license, and registered company details.
- Report cyber frauds by calling 1930 or visiting www.cybercrime.gov.in.
- For immediate assistance, call or WhatsApp at 8712665171.