Meerut: The Meerut Police have arrested four youths for allegedly running a fake online store on social media platforms and duping customers by offering handicrafts and home décor items at unusually low prices. The accused had been operating the racket for nearly two years through Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, collecting digital payments and disappearing without delivering the products.
According to the police, at least 12 complaints were received on the National Cyber Crime Portal from victims who had paid advance money but never received the promised goods. Acting on technical surveillance, social media profiling and local intelligence, the police arrested Salman, Salim, Matloob and Zeeshan from Azarada village under Mundali police station limits.
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Investigations revealed that the accused created multiple fake pages on different social media platforms using fictitious names. They downloaded attractive photos and videos of chandeliers, handicrafts and decorative items from e-commerce websites and international platforms, edited them and posted them with their own mobile numbers. By advertising heavy discounts and limited-time offers, they pressured customers into making quick advance payments.
Once a buyer showed interest, the accused would share additional images and a purported product catalogue on WhatsApp to build trust. Payments were then collected through Google Pay or PhonePe. As soon as the money was credited, the customer’s number was blocked and a new SIM card was activated. Neither the product was delivered nor the amount refunded.
Police have recovered several mobile phones, SIM cards and some decorative items from the accused, whose photographs were used to make the fake listings appear genuine. During interrogation, the accused admitted that their village is known for decorative goods and chandeliers, and they exploited this reputation to gain the confidence of buyers.
Officials said the gang targeted customers across multiple states. Investigators are now examining the number of bank accounts used, the mobile numbers changed and the total amount cheated. Digital evidence, UPI transaction details and device data are being sent for forensic analysis. Coordination with police in other states may be initiated to identify victims and recover the defrauded money.
The Senior Superintendent of Police said cases of social media-based e-commerce fraud are rising, where fake pages, edited images and instant payment systems are misused to target unsuspecting buyers. Advance payments in such unverified transactions pose the biggest risk.
Police have advised citizens not to make upfront payments for products advertised at unusually low prices on social media, to verify the credibility of sellers and to use only trusted e-commerce platforms. Any suspicious transaction should be immediately reported on the cyber helpline 1930 or the National Cyber Crime Portal.
A case has been registered under the IT Act and relevant cheating provisions. Officials said the arrests are part of a wider crackdown on fake online stores operating through social media, and efforts are underway to dismantle similar networks.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
