Cash on Delivery (COD) Fraud
COD fraud takes two common forms: receiving a parcel you never ordered (sometimes placed fraudulently using your leaked address/phone number) and being pressured by the delivery agent to pay, or paying COD for a genuinely ordered item that turns out to be an empty box, wrong item, or something far cheaper than ordered.
What Is It
You are never legally obligated to accept or pay for a parcel you didn't order — you have the right to refuse delivery entirely. For the empty-box/wrong-item variant, always inspect the item before the delivery agent leaves if the platform allows this, and if not, document immediately after they leave.
When To Use It
Report if: you're being pressured to pay COD for something you never ordered; a COD parcel turns out empty or drastically different once opened; or you suspect your personal details were used to fraudulently place an order in your name.
Step-by-Step Process
- 1Politely but firmly refuse to pay for and accept any parcel you did not order — you have no legal obligation to do so.
- 2If already paid for an empty/wrong-content COD parcel, photograph the sealed package and its contents immediately on opening.
- 3Raise the complaint with the platform's customer support citing 'COD fraud/empty parcel' with your evidence.
- 4If your personal details appear to have been misused to place a fraudulent order in your name, file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in.
- 5Escalate to the National Consumer Helpline (1915) if the platform doesn't refund a genuinely defective COD order.
Documents Required
- Photo of the parcel/waybill for an unordered item
- Photos/video of the opened package for empty/wrong-content cases
- Payment receipt if COD was already paid
- Order confirmation if disputing an order you claim you didn't place
Fees
Free through platform escalation and cybercrime.gov.in.
Processing Time
Platform refunds on verified empty/wrong-content COD parcels: typically 1-2 weeks. Cybercrime investigation for identity misuse: varies.
Important Tips
- You are never obligated to pay for or accept a parcel you didn't order — polite refusal at the door is completely valid.
- Where the platform's delivery process allows open-box verification before payment, always use it for COD orders.