A woman in Bengaluru ordered a brand-new smartphone on Flipkart. ₹12,499 was deducted instantly. But the phone? It never arrived. Well, this seems to be the carelessness of that woman, but you never know when scammers trick you and trick you in similar Flipkart Scams.
This is just one example. From used laptops being passed off as new to overcharging customers during sales, Flipkart scams have left thousands of buyers feeling cheated.
And yet, most of us keep shopping without realizing how often these scams take place.
So, let’s break it down.
Flipkart Scams in India
Flipkart has become a trusted brand in India, which is exactly why fraudsters and sometimes sellers exploit it.
Buyers have reported getting the wrong product, receiving used items instead of new ones, being overcharged during big sales, or falling for fake customer support calls.
Understanding the different types of scams that occur is the first step to spotting them and protecting yourself before it’s too late.
- Fake Flipkart Websites and Phishing Links
Scammers create websites that look identical to Flipkart, offering impossible discounts.
Many customers enter card details or UPI IDs without noticing the web address is slightly different—like “flipkart.in.net” instead of “flipkart.com” - Fake Customer Care Numbers and Pamphlets
Some scams begin from inside a genuine Flipkart delivery. Fraudsters slip in a pamphlet with a “helpline number” for returns.
When customers call, they’re tricked into sharing OTPs or transferring money via UPI. - Wrong or Used Products Delivered
Imagine paying ₹2.6 lakh for a MacBook Pro, only to receive a used one with tampered packaging.
That’s exactly what happened to a YouTuber—twice. In another case, a buyer expecting a brand-new HP laptop received a dead, used Dell instead. - Orders Canceled After Payment
During sales like Big Billion Days, many customers report paying for an item, only for Flipkart to cancel the order later.
Refunds are often delayed, leaving customers helpless. Consumer courts have called this a “deficiency of service.” - Overpricing and Fake Discounts
Even everyday items aren’t safe. A Bengaluru customer noticed that a shampoo was being sold on Flipkart above its printed MRP.
The consumer court ordered a refund and ₹20,000 compensation for unfair trade practices.
Why Do Flipkart Scams Work So Well?
Scammers know how to trap people, and to make those scams difficult to spot, they use brand names.
Other than this, the following reasons make this scam work:
- Sales pressure: Big Billion Days or flash sales push people to buy quickly without double-checking.
- Psychological tricks: Scammers use urgency (“only 1 left”), fear (“your order will be canceled”), or greed (“80% off”) to trap buyers.
- Weak complaint handling: Many people give up after getting stuck in Flipkart’s support loops.
How to Identify Flipkart Scams?
Scams can look convincing, but there are always small giveaways. Here’s how you can spot them early:
- Check the website address: Official Flipkart always ends with “.com.” Anything else is a red flag.
- Verify customer care numbers: Flipkart never asks for OTPs, UPI transfers, or bank logins.
- Inspect packaging before accepting delivery: Broken seals, mismatched brands, or open boxes should not be accepted.
- Cross-check product pricing: If an item is listed above its printed MRP, raise a complaint immediately.
- Be cautious during sales: Don’t rush into buying just because of “only 1 left” or “90% off” tags.
Real Reported Cases of Flipkart Scams
If you’ve faced a scam or issue with an order, understanding the Flipkart Frauds Complaint process can help you take the right steps to get it resolved.
Seeing real cases helps understand how scams actually happen:
- Non-delivery of Mobile (Bengaluru): Customer paid ₹12,499, phone never arrived. The consumer court ordered a full refund + 12% interest and ₹30,000 penalty.
- Used Laptop Delivered: Buyer ordered an HP laptop, but got a dead Dell. The court ruled for a refund + ₹50,000 compensation.
- Overpriced Shampoo: During Big Billion Days, shampoo was sold above MRP. The court ordered a refund + ₹20,000 compensation.
- Substandard Health Drink: Herbalife mix delivered without QR codes. Refund and legal costs awarded by the Mumbai Consumer Commission.
- MacBook Pro Received Used: Ordered a new MacBook worth ₹2.6 lakh, received used twice. Case resolved after escalation.
These examples show scams are real—but so is the power of taking action.
How to Report a Flipkart Scam?
If you’ve faced a Flipkart scam, here’s a quick guide to take action:
- Report through Flipkart: Go to My Orders → Need Help and explain the issue with screenshots or photos.
- Escalate to Flipkart Grievance Officer: If support doesn’t resolve it, escalate with order ID and proof.
- National Consumer Helpline: File a complaint at consumerhelpline.gov.in for faster action.
- Consumer Court: If unresolved, approach your local consumer forum with all evidence.
- File a complaint in Cyber Crime: For phishing or fraud calls, report to cyber crime online by attaching all the proofs and evidence.
Keep all invoices, screenshots, and communication logs—it strengthens your case.
Need Help?
Facing a Flipkart scam and don’t know where to start? Register with us, and our team will guide you step-by-step to recover your money and resolve your complaint.
Conclusion
Flipkart scams can happen to anyone, from wrong deliveries to overcharging or fake products. The key is to stay alert, know your rights, and take action.
By understanding common scams, filing complaints properly, and reporting fraud, you can protect yourself and even recover your losses.
Awareness and vigilance are the best ways to shop safely on Flipkart.
Remember, being a cautious shopper doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy online shopping.
Simple checks, like verifying sellers, inspecting packaging, and keeping records, can save you from stress and financial loss.
Staying informed turns you into a smarter, safer buyer.
