The Rise of Instagram Shopping Scams in India

Social media shopping is booming across India, but it has also brought a massive wave of online fraud. A growing number of fake shops pull buyers in with gorgeous product photos, take advance payments via UPI, and vanish. These scammers hide behind disposable profiles, WhatsApp numbers, and changing UPI IDs, making them incredibly tough to track down.

Just yesterday, on June 11, 2026, a verified case of Instagram seller fraud unfolded. Our editorial team at RupeeReality.in reviewed the original UPI receipts and chat logs. To safeguard privacy, we are keeping the victim's information completely hidden, but the scammer's full operational details are published right below to save others from falling into the same trap.

Verified Fraud Details: Nikita Shop India Public Warning

The information below belongs entirely to the fraudster and is verified by official digital footprints and bank records:

• Instagram Profile: @nikita_shop._india

Note for Cyber Cells and Banks: The UPI Reference IDs listed above are valid, traceable transaction numbers on the NPCI network. Investigators can use these to map out and freeze the recipient's Federal Bank account.

How This Instagram Seller Scam Played Out Step by Step

Step 1: The Attractive Instagram Feed

The scammer set up a highly professional business profile under the handle @nikita_shop._india. They posted attractive pictures of gift boxes, shoes, clothing, and lifestyle accessories to look like a thriving local brand.

Step 2: Shifting the Chat to WhatsApp

The victim initiated contact through an Instagram DM to buy an item. Almost instantly, the seller requested to move the conversation to WhatsApp (+91 84260 58836). Moving off-platform is a classic trick used by scammers to bypass automated fraud detection filters on Instagram.

Step 3: Demanding Advance UPI Payment

Like most independent social media stores, the fake seller insisted on advance payment. The victim transferred ₹800 first, followed by a second payment of ₹1,598 just 16 minutes later. Both payments landed in the UPI account of 'Shivam Sharma' via the ID shivam5678@fam.

Step 4: Complete Block and Disappearance

The moment the final amount hit their account, the trap snapped shut. The fraudster blocked the victim on Instagram and stopped responding on WhatsApp, cutting off all communication channels.

Major Red Flags of Instagram Seller Scams to Watch For

The truth is, online retail scams always leave clues. If you spot these red flags, stop the transaction immediately:

• Identity Mismatch: The shop name is 'Nikita Shop India' but the official UPI name reads 'Shivam Sharma'. A mismatched name is a guaranteed sign of a scam.

How to File a Police and Cyber Crime Complaint: Full Guide

Time is your biggest asset when fighting financial fraud. Acting inside the golden window of 24 to 48 hours gives authorities the best shot at locking the money in place.

Option 1: Call the Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930

This is your absolute fastest route. Dial 1930 to reach the dedicated helpline run by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Provide the operator with your UPI reference numbers, exact amounts, and the fraudster's UPI ID. They can directly trigger an emergency account freeze.

Option 2: File an Online Case via cybercrime.gov.in

Head over to the official cybercrime.gov.in portal and select 'Report Cyber Crime', then choose 'Financial Fraud'. Fill out the details including the scammer's phone number, Instagram handle, and UPI transaction IDs. Make sure to upload screenshots of your payment receipts and chat histories.

Option 3: Walk Into Your Local Police Station

You can file a physical FIR at your nearest police station. Ensure the police file the case under Section 66D of the IT Act (cheating by personation using computer resources) and Section 420 of the IPC (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property).

Option 4: Launch a Bank Dispute

Call your bank's customer service team immediately. For this case, the sender used YES Bank (Helpline: 1800 1200) and the NPCI UPI fraud system (Helpline: 18001201740). Tell them clearly that you sent money to a fraudster and need to register a chargeback and fraud dispute.

Evidence Checklist Before Filing Your Complaint

Gather these documents into a folder before submitting your official report:

Payment receipts from your UPI app (showing the UTR or Ref IDs)

Clear screenshots of the fraudster's Instagram bio and posts

The complete WhatsApp conversation logs with timestamps

Your own bank statements highlighting the debited amounts

Your Legal Rights as an Online Consumer in India

Under the Consumer Protection Act 2019, Indian shoppers have robust legal backing against digital fraud. You can approach the District Consumer Forum to claim your money back, and there are absolutely no court fees for claims below ₹5 lakh.

Furthermore, IT Act Section 66D makes online impersonation fraud a criminal offense carrying up to 3 years of prison time. The RBI and NPCI also mandate that banks must investigate formal chargeback requests for fraudulent merchant transactions within 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions About Instagram Shopping Fraud

Can I get my money back if I paid an Instagram scammer via UPI?

Yes, you can recover your money if you act immediately. Call the national helpline at 1930 or log into cybercrime.gov.in within a few hours of the incident. This allows banks to freeze the stolen funds before the fraudster can withdraw them.

What should I do if a seller blocks me right after I pay?

If a seller blocks you, treat it as fraud immediately. Take backup screenshots of the profile, the chat messages, and the UPI transaction details. Call 1930 to lodge an official complaint and inform your bank's fraud division right away.

How do I verify if an Instagram shop is real or fake?

Check if the shop has a verified blue badge or a secure external website. Look up the shop's name on Google alongside words like 'scam' or 'review'. Most importantly, ensure the UPI account holder's name perfectly matches the business name before hitting pay.

Is it safe to buy items from sellers who only use WhatsApp and DMs?

No, buying directly through DMs or WhatsApp without an escrow or secure payment gateway is highly risky. Genuine businesses usually offer Cash on Delivery or send official payment links that provide buyer protection.