Highlights
- A fake Flipkart ad on Facebook redirected users to a counterfeit site offering unreal deals, tricking shoppers into UPI payments.
- The fraudulent site processed payments through Cashfree Payments, raising concerns about how a suspicious domain bypassed verification.
- The scam site remains active and users are urged to stay vigilant as cybercrime tactics evolve.
Scammers are once again finding new ways to trick unsuspecting users. According to a recent report from TheTechOutlook, one such scam has resulted in a subscriber’s mother being cheated through a fake Flipkart advertisement on Facebook. Here’s more on the full story.
How the Fake Flipkart Scam Works?
As per the report, the victim was scrolling through her Facebook feed when she encountered an advertisement that appeared to be from Flipkart. On clicking it, she was redirected to a mobile landing page designed to look exactly like Flipkart’s official website.
The fraudulent page showcased a too-good-to-be-true offer, a Saffola oil pack worth around ₹800 listed as the “deal of the day” for just ₹219. Tempted by the massive discount, she proceeded to complete the purchase through UPI. However, upon closer inspection, it was revealed that the website’s actual URL was https://rakhispecialviral-offer-sound.shop, a domain exposed via Facebook’s in-app browser.
Despite being fake, the site is still active and mimics Flipkart’s interface convincingly.
Payments Processed Through Cashfree Gateway
The fake platform lists only four to five products and each has a “Buy Now” button, which redirects users to a payment page supported by Cashfree Payments, a well-known payment aggregator.
This raises serious questions about how such a suspicious domain, without even the Flipkart name, was able to process transactions through an official payment gateway.
The report further highlights that the fraudulent site remains live, continues to accept payments, and is tricking users in real time. A recording of the full checkout process was also shared, urging Cashfree to block the merchant and initiate refunds for affected customers.
Warning for Shoppers
With scams like these on the rise, online shoppers are advised to be extra cautious, especially when elderly family members are using social media platforms. As TheTechOutlook report notes, “As technology advances, cybercrime will also continue to evolve.”
The publication confirmed that it has reached out to Cashfree Payments for clarification on this issue but has not yet received a response.
FAQs
Q1. How are scammers using fake Flipkart ads on Facebook?
Answer. Scammers post deceptive Flipkart-like ads on Facebook that redirect users to a counterfeit website mimicking Flipkart’s interface, offering unreal discounts to lure purchases.
Q2. What payment method is used on the fake Flipkart site?
Answer. The fraudulent site processes payments via the Cashfree Payments gateway, despite using a suspicious domain unrelated to Flipkart, raising concerns about verification protocols.
Q3. What precautions should Flipkart online shoppers take?
Answer. Users, especially those helping elderly family members, should verify URLs before making purchases and avoid deals that seem too good to be true, as cybercrime tactics are evolving.