Ahmedabad A seemingly minor refund request for ₹24 worth of vegetables turned into a major financial shock for an Ahmedabad homemaker, who lost ₹87,000 after falling victim to a cyber fraud linked to a fake customer support number found on Google.
The incident highlights a rapidly growing scam pattern in which cybercriminals exploit popular quick-commerce platforms and misuse search engine listings to trap unsuspecting consumers.
₹24 Refund Request Turns Costly
According to police officials, the woman had ordered vegetables from Zepto, a well-known quick-commerce delivery platform. Upon delivery, she received oversized eggplants instead of the ones she had ordered.
When she asked the delivery agent to take the vegetables back and issue a refund of ₹24, he declined and advised her to contact customer support through the app.
Unable to find the official customer care number immediately, the woman searched for Zepto’s helpline on Google.
Fake Google Listing Sets the Trap
During her online search, the victim found a phone number listed as Zepto customer support and called it. Unbeknownst to her, the number had been fraudulently uploaded by cybercriminals to impersonate the company’s helpline.
The caller, posing as a customer support executive, spoke confidently and assured her that the refund would be processed instantly. To “complete the refund,” he sent her a link, claiming it was an official refund verification page.
Fraudulent Link Drains ₹87,000
Trusting the caller, the woman clicked on the link and entered her banking details, believing she was completing a routine refund process.
Within minutes, multiple unauthorised transactions were carried out, draining ₹87,000 from her bank account.
Realising something was wrong, she attempted to contact the number again but found it unreachable. She immediately approached the local cyber crime cell and lodged a formal complaint.
Police Investigation Underway
Ahmedabad Police have registered a case and begun tracing:
- The fraudulent phone number
- Bank accounts used to siphon off money
- Digital trails linked to the fake Google listing
Officials said the fraud bears the hallmarks of organised cybercrime, where scammers actively monitor trending consumer platforms and exploit refund-related frustrations.
Police Advisory: Verify Before You Call
Senior police officials issued a strong advisory, urging citizens to:
- Use only official apps or company websites for customer support
- Avoid calling helpline numbers found through generic Google searches
- Never click on unknown refund links
- Never share bank details, OTPs, or card information over calls
“No legitimate company asks for banking credentials for refunds. Any such request is a red flag,” a cyber crime officer said.
Rising Trend: Google-Based Customer Care Scams
Cybersecurity experts note a sharp rise in scams where fraudsters upload fake helpline numbers on Google Maps and search listings of popular brands, including:
- Food delivery apps
- Quick-commerce platforms
- Banks and payment wallets
Victims are lured with the promise of quick refunds or account fixes, only to have their accounts emptied.
Authorities have called for stronger cooperation between tech platforms, search engines, and law enforcement to rapidly take down fake listings before they cause harm.
Conclusion: Small Amounts, Big Risks
This case underlines how even a small transaction dispute can escalate into a serious financial crime if digital hygiene is ignored.
Experts stress that improved digital awareness remains the strongest defence against such frauds, especially as cybercriminals increasingly exploit everyday online activities.
Citizens are advised to report cyber fraud immediately via the 1930 cyber helpline or the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.
