Ahmedabad Woman Loses ₹87,000 in Cyber Fraud Over ₹24 Vegetable Refund

Ahmedabad Woman Loses ₹87,000 in Cyber Fraud Over ₹24 Vegetable Refund

Ahmedabad: A small refund request for ₹24 worth of vegetables turned into a serious cybercrime incident for an Ahmedabad homemaker, who lost ₹87,000 after contacting a fake customer support number she found on Google. Officials say the case reflects a fast-growing pattern of scams exploiting search engine listings and quick-commerce platforms.

A ₹24 Refund Request Turns into a Costly Lesson

The incident began when the woman ordered vegetables from Zepto and received oversized eggplants instead of the requested items. When the delivery agent refused to take them back, he advised her to contact customer support via the app.

Unable to locate the official helpline immediately, she searched Google for Zepto’s customer care number — unknowingly landing on a fraudulent listing created by cybercriminals.

Fake Google Listing Leads Her to a Scammer

Believing the number to be genuine, she contacted the impersonator posing as a customer support executive. Speaking confidently, the scammer assured her that the ₹24 refund would be processed immediately and sent her a link for “refund verification.”

The woman clicked the link and entered her banking details without realizing the page was designed to capture her credentials.

Fraudulent Link Drains ₹87,000 Within Minutes

Soon after she submitted the details, several unauthorised transactions were executed, draining ₹87,000 from her account. When she attempted to call the number again, it was switched off. She then rushed to the cyber crime cell to file a complaint.

Investigation Focuses on Fake Listing and Digital Trail

Ahmedabad Police have opened an investigation into:

• The fake helpline number

• Linked bank accounts used to withdraw the funds

• Digital fingerprints behind the Google listing

Officials say this fraud matches a broader trend in which criminals target refund-related grievances on food delivery and quick-commerce platforms.

Police Issue Advisory: Avoid Google Helplines

Authorities urged citizens to follow strict precautions:

• Use only official app-based customer care options

• Avoid calling helplines found through Google searches

• Never click unknown refund links

• Never share banking details or OTPs over the phone

Police stressed that legitimate companies never ask for banking information to issue refunds.

Google-Based Customer Care Scams on the Rise

Cyber experts report a sharp increase in fake customer support numbers on Google Maps and search results. Popular platforms frequently targeted include:

• Food delivery apps

• Quick-commerce brands

• Banks and digital wallets

These scams rely on consumer trust in search engine results and the urgency surrounding refund or service issues.

Small Dispute, Big Financial Loss — A Growing Risk

The case underscores how even minor digital interactions can lead to major financial risks when vigilance slips. Experts warn that rising digital dependency must be matched with improved cyber hygiene to prevent exploitation.

Victims are advised to report fraud immediately via the 1930 helpline or the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.

In a digital-first environment, incidents like this show why financial clarity, structured processes and strong verification systems are essential for individuals and businesses alike. Organisations expanding globally also benefit from disciplined frameworks that reduce operational risks.

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