Young man scammed while trying to buy vape online in Hyderabad

A young newcomer in Hyderabad lost Rs 6,800 to an online scam while trying to buy a vape, a product banned in India. Tricked through WhatsApp after a Google search, he now plans to file a police complaint and warns others.

Hyderabad: In a cautionary tale for internet users, especially newcomers in the city, a young man was duped of Rs 6,800 while attempting to purchase a vape online—a product currently banned in India.

According to the victim’s detailed account shared anonymously on Reddit, peer pressure and a desire to fit in led him to search for vapes in Hyderabad. A quick Google search yielded an image with contact details, which he followed up by calling and later shifting the conversation to WhatsApp, as instructed.

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The individual on the other end showcased multiple vape flavours, after which the victim selected “blueberry ice.” He was asked to pay Rs 1,800 via a QR code for delivery within 30 minutes.

However, after the payment, he was told that due to “security concerns,” he needed to pay an additional Rs 4,999, which would allegedly be refunded. Fearful of losing the initial amount, he transferred the second sum as well.

“The person kept assuring me on call, saying, ‘Bhaiya, I’m right here on the line. Don’t worry.’ A few minutes later, he claimed the transaction got stuck and demanded another Rs 4,999. That’s when I began to suspect something was wrong,” he wrote.

Even as the scammer continued to argue and justify the demands—saying he wasn’t taking the money “for his own pocket”—the victim received a call from an SBI representative warning him the account was flagged as fraudulent and advising immediate complaint registration.

Attempts to lodge a complaint online were reportedly unsuccessful, with government websites crashing repeatedly. “My pocket money for the month is gone. I can’t survive in this city without it,” he lamented.

The victim said he planned to file a police complaint and shared the scammer’s number and location online to warn others. The total loss incurred was Rs 6,800.