Attractive advertisements appearing on social media platforms are no longer just tools for shopping or investment opportunities. They are rapidly becoming one of the most effective and easiest weapons for cyber fraudsters. From ₹299 shopping deals to guaranteed stock market profits, such luring offers are trapping users and causing massive financial losses.
The most dangerous aspect of these ads is that they look extremely real and trustworthy. Users click them without verification, and thatis when the entire fraud network is activated.
₹299 Shopping Deal Turns Into Nearly ₹1 Lakh Loss
In a recent case, a person saw an attractive advertisement for a dress priced at ₹299 on Facebook and placed an order. Initially, everything appeared normal. However, soon after, fraudsters shifted communication to WhatsApp and began demanding repeated payments under different excuses, such as shipping charges, tracking fees, and verification costs. Within a few days, the small purchase turned into a loss of nearly ₹1 lakh.
Experts explain that such scams are part of an organised cyber network. The fraudsters first demand small payments to make the victim feel committed to the transaction. This psychological trap makes the victim believe that withdrawing at that stage would result in greater loss. Gradually, the amount increases, and eventually the entire bank account is drained.
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Fraudsters Use WhatsApp, Urgency and Fake Charges to Trap Victims
Cybersecurity experts say such scams rely on trust, urgency, and emotional pressure. The advertisements are designed so professionally that an average user does not feel the need to verify them.
According to former IPS officer and cybercrime expert Prof. Triveni Singh, modern cybercriminals rely more on social engineering than technical hacking. He explains that fraudsters create fake identities, attractive offers, and fear-based messaging to manipulate victims into transferring money without thinking.
These scams often use phrases such as “limited stock,” “offer ending soon,” or “make payment immediately” to create a sense of urgency. In many cases, fraudsters also obtain OTPs, bank details, or card information, enabling them to withdraw money directly from victims’ accounts.
Experts Warn: Social Engineering Is Replacing Technical Hacking
Experts stress that every unknown advertisement should be verified before clicking. Checking the official website, carefully examining the URL, confirming HTTPS security, and verifying the company’s authenticity are essential steps. Users should never share OTPs, passwords, or bank details under any circumstances.
Cyber Helpline 1930 Can Help Victims Act Before Losses Grow
As cybercrime cases rise, government agencies continually urge citizens to stay alert. If money is deducted after clicking a suspicious link, users should immediately contact the cyber helpline 1930 or file a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in. Quick action often helps reduce or recover losses.
Experts believe that in the digital world, the strongest security is not technology alone but awareness. Until users develop the habit of verifying every offer and link, such scams will continue to grow and cause financial harm.
Research organisations such as the Future Crime Research Foundation are actively studying these evolving cybercrime patterns to develop more effective prevention strategies. Experts say such research can play a crucial role in strengthening digital security policies and improving early detection systems.
Not every attractive offer seen on social media is real. Therefore, careful verification is essential before making any financial decision. Caution remains the first and most important line of defence in cyber safety.
