Kerala Policecyber fraudonline shopping scamUPI fraudconsumer alert
Kerala Police Warn of Online Mattress Shopping Scam Involving Fake Customer Care Calls
Published: May 9, 2026
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Kerala Police have issued a warning about a cyber fraud targeting consumers who purchase mattresses online, with scammers impersonating customer care representatives of legitimate companies. The fraud occurs shortly after an order is placed on major e-commerce platforms, with criminals contacting victims via phone or WhatsApp.
The police said the scammers claim the initial payment failed or the order requires confirmation, urging immediate re-payment through QR codes, UPI, or bank transfers to avoid delivery delays. Once the payment is made, the fraudsters disconnect and disappear, leaving victims without refunds or products.
Authorities advised the public to verify all customer service communications through official websites and avoid sharing bank details, OTPs, or granting screen-sharing access to unknown individuals. The alert follows a rise in similar cyber fraud complaints across Kerala and other Indian states.
Victims are urged to report incidents immediately via the national cyber helpline number 1930 or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. The police said monitoring of such scams will be intensified in coordination with digital payment agencies and e-commerce platforms.