Kerala Police issue alert over new online mattress scam targeting shoppers

The Kerala Police has issued a fresh cyber fraud warning after a rise in complaints linked to online mattress purchases. According to police, scammers are posing as customer care executives of mattress companies and cheating buyers through fake payment requests sent via phone calls and WhatsApp.

In the latest cybercrime alert, police said fraudsters are specifically targeting customers who place orders on major e-commerce platforms. The scam usually begins shortly after an online order is placed.

The callers reportedly claim that the payment has failed or that there is an issue with order confirmation. Customers are then pressured into making another payment immediately, with fraudsters warning that delivery will be delayed unless the amount is paid again.

Police said victims are often asked to transfer money through QR codes, UPI transactions or direct bank transfers. Once the payment is made, the scammers disappear.

The warning comes after multiple complaints of similar cyber fraud cases were reported from Kerala and other parts of the country.

Police have advised online shoppers to verify every call or message related to an order before making any payment. Customers have been asked to use customer care numbers listed only on official websites and avoid trusting unknown callers.

Authorities also warned people not to share bank account details, OTPs, passwords or screen-sharing access with strangers under any circumstances.

Victims of cyber financial fraud have been asked to immediately report incidents through the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or the National Cyber Crime Portal.

With PTI inputs