Don’t Get Duped! Spotting Online Shopping Scams in India

Online shopping has made life easier than ever — but it’s also opened the door for fraudulent sellers who prey on unsuspecting customers. In India, there’s a growing wave of scams happening through Instagram boutiques and fake fashion pages, where customers lose money and trust.

At Hayat’s Lucknowi, we’ve witnessed many such incidents where people were cheated by pages using our product photos or similar names. These scammers take payments through personal UPI accounts, promise quick delivery, and then vanish — leaving buyers disappointed and helpless.

 

The Rise of Instagram Shopping Scams

Here’s how these scams typically unfold:

1. Fake Pages with Stolen Photos:
   Scammers create Instagram profiles that copy real brands’ photos, captions, and tone — making it hard to spot the difference.
2. Attractive Offers:
   They tempt shoppers with unreal discounts or “flash sales.”
3. Advance Payment via UPI:
   After you place an order, they ask for payment on personal numbers — no website, no invoice.
4. The “GST” or “Customs” Trap:
   Once you pay, they claim your parcel is “stuck” and demand additional GST or delivery charges.
   🚫 No genuine business ever asks for GST separately after purchase.
5. They Disappear:
   As soon as they receive money, they block you or delete their account.

The Bigger Problem — Losing Trust

• These scams aren’t just financial crimes — they destroy customer confidence in online shopping.
• Even genuine small businesses are affected, as buyers grow hesitant to trust anyone.

At Hayat’s Lucknowi, we believe trust is built stitch by stitch, just like our embroidery. And that’s why we’re raising awareness to protect every shopper from being scammed.

How to Identify a Genuine Online Store

Here are simple ways to make sure you’re buying from a legitimate seller:

1. Check the Website:
   Every genuine brand has an official website.
   → Example: www.hayatslucknowi.com
2. Verify Payment Security:
   Ensure the store uses trusted gateways like PhonePe, Easebuzz, Razorpay, or Paytm for Business, not personal UPI IDs.
3. Look for Consistency:
   Genuine brands have regular posts, real customer tags, packaging videos, and highlight stories.
4. Avoid Random DMs:
   Never send money directly to anyone claiming to represent a brand. Always order through official links.
5. Check Contact Info:
   A real business provides verified contact details, support email, and return/refund policies.

How Hayat’s Lucknowi Ensures Your Safety

We take your trust seriously — here’s how we ensure a 100% secure shopping experience:

• Orders accepted only through our website — never via DMs
• Secure payments via PhonePe & Easebuzz gateways
• Transparent shipping and returns policy
• Prices include all taxes (no extra GST after purchase)
• Active customer support through verified channels

Your trust means everything to us — and we’ll continue working to make online shopping safe and joyful for everyone.

What To Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you suspect or experience an online shopping fraud:

• Report the fake page on Instagram immediately.
• File a complaint at www.cybercrime.gov.in
• Notify your bank or UPI provider (PhonePe, Paytm, Google Pay) to block the recipient.
• Spread the word to help others avoid similar traps.

In Conclusion

At Hayat’s Lucknowi, we represent not just handcrafted chikankari — but honesty, tradition, and trust.
We dream of a digital India where every customer feels confident buying authentic products online.

Let’s shop mindfully. Let’s stay informed.
Because safety online is as precious as the fabric we wear.

Shop Authentic. Shop Safe. Shop Hayat’s Lucknowi.