The Kerala Police have issued a warning over a new form of cyber fraud targeting people buying mattresses online.

In a statement, the State police said that fraudsters are approaching customers by posing as fake customer care representatives of mattress companies.

According to the police, scammers contact people who purchase products on major online shopping platforms by phone and WhatsApp.

“The fraud usually begins soon after an order is placed, with scammers claiming that the payment has failed or that there is a problem in confirming the order. They then pressure customers into making another payment immediately by claiming that the delivery would be completed only after the payment is made,” the police said.

The fraudsters allegedly collect money via QR codes, UPI payments, or bank transfers, then disappear, the statement said.

The police advised customers to verify the authenticity of calls and messages related to online orders and collect customer care numbers only from official websites.

People have also been warned never to share bank details and OTPs or give screen-sharing access to strangers.

The police said the warning is issued following frequent complaints of similar cyber fraud reported in the State and other parts of the country.

Victims of cyber financial fraud should immediately report the matter through the cyber helpline number 1930 or via the National Cyber Crime Portal, the police added.