Amazon-Flipkart discount sales turn feast for scammers; Kerala Police remove 155 fraudulent websites

Kerala Police have urged netizens to exercise caution against fake shopping sites that use the names of prominent online e-commerce platforms for advertising on social media. The state’s cyber police have initiated action to remove 155 such fraudulent websites identified in their investigation.

Prominent e-commerce sites, including Amazon and Flipkart, have begun their annual festival sales, offering discounts to attract buyers. Scammers are exploiting this opportunity by enticing consumers through advertisements on social media. These sites may appear legitimate at first glance, and if anyone visits them and places an order, there is a high risk of losing money.

"The authenticity and legal validity of websites offering steep discounts should be verified before attempting to place orders or transfer money. To identify fake websites, carefully examine the website address. Do not click on links received through WhatsApp, SMS, or social media to access e-commerce sites," read a communiqué from Kerala Police.

The police have also urged victims of online financial scams to inform them immediately by calling 1930. "Reporting within an hour of losing money increases the chances of recovering the lost amount," it added.