Money Stuck In Online Shopping? Act Fast To File A Complaint And Get A Refund

New Delhi: As online shopping has become easier, the frauds related to it have also increased rapidly. Many people either do not receive the goods after paying the money or a damaged and fake product reaches them. If this has happened to you too, there is no need to panic. If the right steps are taken at the right time, there is every possibility of getting the money back.

How does online shopping fraud happen?

Often scammers lure big discounts by creating fake websites or fake social media pages. People pay for the cheap price and then either the order never arrives or the wrong item is sent. In many cases, people are cheated even in the name of customer care.

What is the first thing to do if you are cheated?

First of all, check your transaction details, how much amount was transferred, when it was transferred and to which account or UPI. Immediately after this, call the helpline of your bank or the app through which you made the payment and lodge a report declaring the transaction as a fraud.

What to do if you have paid by card?

If you have paid through debit or credit card, get the card blocked without delay. There will be no further wrong transactions. Also, definitely file a complaint against the website or seller from whom you purchased.

Where should a complaint be filed?

You can lodge a complaint online by visiting the National Cyber Crime Portal (cybercrime.gov.in). Apart from this, a report can also be lodged immediately by calling the helpline number 1930. This is considered the fastest method.

What is necessary while making a complaint?

While registering a complaint, it is necessary to provide transaction ID, amount, date, payment method and details of the recipient. If you have screenshots, messages or any other evidence, submit it along with yourself.

What is the process to get the money back?

If you complain on time, the bank and cyber cell together track the account where the money has gone. If the amount has not been withdrawn yet, it is frozen and can be returned later after the investigation is completed.

What harm can happen by delaying?

In such cases every minute is important. Scammers often transfer the money to another account immediately. Therefore if the complaint is delayed, it becomes difficult to get the money back. This is why it is most important to take immediate action as soon as there is doubt.