CYBER CRIMES: A Bite Worse Than Hunger: Elderly Man Falls Victim to Fake Swiggy Customer Care Scam

India Crime News Desk

New Delhi, April 5, 2024

Imagine ordering a delicious meal through Swiggy, only for it to never arrive.  Frustrated, you decide to contact customer care to resolve the issue. But what if the number you call turns out to be a clever disguise, leading to a devastating financial loss? This is exactly what happened to an elderly man in a recent online scam.

The victim’s son, Nikhil Chawla, took to social media to share his father’s ordeal. After a Swiggy order went undelivered, his father, unfamiliar with online processes, searched for the company’s customer service number. Unfortunately, the search results led him to a fraudulent number operated by scammers.

These imposters, posing as legitimate Swiggy representatives, initially tricked the man into losing Rs 35,000 through a UPI transaction.  However, the story doesn’t end there.  Using manipulative tactics, the scammers further convinced the victim to share his credit card details, resulting in additional unauthorized charges.

This incident highlights a critical concern – the vulnerability of elderly individuals to online scams.  Often lacking the technical know-how to navigate these situations, they can become easy targets for fraudsters.

In response to the incident, Swiggy issued a public clarification. They emphasized that they do not have an official customer care number and advised users to leverage the in-app chat support feature for any assistance.  They also urged customers to report such scams to cybercrime authorities.

Chawla, understandably shaken by his father’s experience, used his social media platform to raise awareness.  He stressed the importance of educating elderly family members about the risks associated with online interactions, particularly regarding financial transactions.  Additionally, Swiggy has reportedly taken steps to combat these fraudulent websites and search results, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future.

This story serves as a stark reminder for all of us.  We must be cautious when engaging with online resources, especially when it comes to financial transactions. 

Here are some key takeaways:

Double-check customer service details: Don’t rely solely on search engine results for customer care numbers. Visit the official website of the company for verified contact information.

Beware of unsolicited requests: Legitimate customer service representatives will not pressure you to share sensitive information or make urgent financial transactions.

Educate vulnerable individuals:  Help your elderly family members understand the dangers of online scams. Equip them with the knowledge to identify suspicious activity.

By staying informed and exercising caution, we can all play a role in safeguarding ourselves and our loved ones from online threats. Remember, a little vigilance can go a long way in protecting your hard-earned money and maintaining peace of mind.

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