📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Shahana.vitb
Crime
Bhopal sees surge in online refund scams targeting shoppers during festive season
✍️ Amar Ujala · Madhya Pradesh
🗓 13 Oct 2026, 10:31 AM
👁 11
During the festive shopping rush, cyber criminals in Bhopal have been using fake customer‑care numbers and dubious apps to siphon money from shoppers’ accounts, prompting over ten complaints.
The festive season has triggered a wave of online shopping across India, but in Bhopal it has also become a fertile ground for cyber fraud. Residents report that scammers are posing as legitimate refund agents, contacting victims with fabricated customer‑care numbers and sending links that appear authentic.
According to complaints received by local authorities, the fraudsters exploit the promise of refunds to lure shoppers into installing suspicious applications or clicking on malicious URLs. Once the victim follows the instructions, the fraudsters gain access to the bank account and drain the funds.
Law enforcement agencies in Madhya Pradesh have logged more than ten complaints related to this scheme and have issued warnings urging consumers to verify official refund channels before sharing any personal or banking details. The police are reportedly tracing the source of the fake numbers and working to block the illicit apps.
According to complaints received by local authorities, the fraudsters exploit the promise of refunds to lure shoppers into installing suspicious applications or clicking on malicious URLs. Once the victim follows the instructions, the fraudsters gain access to the bank account and drain the funds.
Law enforcement agencies in Madhya Pradesh have logged more than ten complaints related to this scheme and have issued warnings urging consumers to verify official refund channels before sharing any personal or banking details. The police are reportedly tracing the source of the fake numbers and working to block the illicit apps.