Bengaluru woman orders curd on Blinkit, finds packet damaged, searches online for customer care number to claim refund, follows WhatsApp link sent by fraudsters and loses Rs 98,000

The customer placed an order for a fresh curd on the Blinkit app, expecting a standard delivery. Upon opening the parcel, she found the container cracked and the product leaking, prompting her to seek a refund. She searched the internet for a customer care phone number, but the link she clicked led to a WhatsApp chat that appeared to be run by Blinkit representatives. Within minutes, the fraudsters convinced her to share personal details and transferred a large sum of money, which later turned out to be a scam.

Online grocery platforms have expanded rapidly in India, especially after the pandemic, offering convenience to busy households. However, the surge in orders has also attracted cybercriminals who mimic official communication channels. Fraudsters often use familiar branding, short URLs, and urgent language to create a sense of legitimacy. In this case, the victim’s reliance on a third‑party link rather than the official app’s support feature made her vulnerable, a scenario that is becoming increasingly common across major cities.

Consumer protection agencies advise shoppers to verify contact numbers directly from the app or official website, avoid clicking unsolicited links, and report suspicious activity to both the platform and local authorities. Financial institutions also recommend confirming large transactions through multiple authentication steps. The loss of Rs 98,000 underscores the need for heightened awareness, especially as digital commerce continues to dominate everyday purchases in India.