The Namakkal District Police, on Thursday (October 16, 2025), said that they have received numerous complaints regarding cyber criminals extorting money from the buyers while purchasing firecrackers and sweets online at low prices.
In a release, the police said that the cyber criminals are targeting the public with the promise of selling crackers and sweets at low prices ahead of the Deepavali festival and are engaging in extortion activities online.
The cyber criminals are advertising on social media platforms like YouTube, Telegram, Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, claiming to sell crackers, sweets, and goods at very low prices, and are committing fraud by receiving money through QR codes, UPI IDs, and net banking without delivering the goods.
The release added that cyber criminals are creating fake social media websites and are engaging in criminal activities. When buying crackers online, the public should ensure the seller’s reputation, rating, and real contact details and should be very careful when sending money using a QR code or a UPI ID. The customers must not share bank details via emails/messages. In some situations, bank account details may be used for other fraudulent activities.
