Online Shopping Scam
You paid for something online but never received it, or it was a fake listing.
What this generally means
Online scams involving non-delivery or fraudulent listings can be reported both as consumer complaints and, if payment fraud is involved, as cybercrime.
Your journey
You Are Here
You're trying to understand what to do about an online shopping scam. That's a good first step.
Understand Issue
Read through what this situation generally means and what your options are.
Gather Documents
Collect the evidence and paperwork that will support your case.
Contact Resource
Reach out to the most relevant authority, helpline, or legal aid service.
Escalate If Needed
If the first contact doesn't resolve things, escalate to a higher forum or authority.
Follow Up
Track your complaint's status and keep records of every response you receive.
Common next steps
- 1Stop any further payments to the seller immediately.
- 2Report the transaction to your bank if payment fraud is suspected.
- 3File a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (1930) if money was lost fraudulently.
- 4Also file a consumer complaint if it was a legitimate but fraudulent listing.
Useful documents
- Payment confirmation/transaction ID
- Screenshots of the listing and seller profile
- Chat/communication history
- Any tracking details provided
Relevant authorities
- National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal
- National Consumer Helpline
Frequently asked questions
Can I get my money back?+
Reporting quickly, especially within 24 hours via 1930, improves the chance banks can freeze or reverse a fraudulent transaction.
Is this a police matter or a consumer matter?+
It can be both — cybercrime reporting addresses the fraud, while a consumer complaint can address non-delivery of goods.
Verified resources
National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal
I4C (Ministry of Home Affairs) portal to report all types of cybercrime, especially crimes against women and children. Supported by the 1930 helpline.
Cyber Crime Helpline (1930)
24x7 toll-free helpline for immediate reporting of financial cyber fraud, to request a freeze on fraudulent transactions before funds are withdrawn.
National Consumer Helpline (1915)
Toll-free helpline (8AM-8PM) for consumer grievances on products, services, refunds, and e-commerce. Also reachable via SMS/WhatsApp on 8800001915, or the alternate toll-free number 1800-11-4000.