Payment Block & Extra Fee Withdrawal Scam
Verdict: Suspicious | Risk Score: 8/10 | Severity: high
Category: UPI, Government Impersonation, Refund
How Payment Block & Extra Fee Withdrawal Scam Works
Overview: Many Indians trying their hand at global dropshipping are being duped by websites that intentionally block legitimate withdrawals, then demand more money for 'release.' This can lead to spiraling losses without any return, especially for first-time sellers. How It Works: Victims sign up and start selling (often on fake platforms or sites built by scammers), sometimes even seeing dummy 'sales' numbers. When they try to withdraw profits, the platform claims extra GST, 'processing' or 'profit tax' fees are required—often 20-35%. If paid, the withdrawal is still delayed or never arrives, and further fictitious fees may be demanded. Eventually, the scammer shuts down all communication and access to the site. India Angle: Popular amid budding Indian dropshippers emulating Meesho or Shop101, especially in Karnataka, Delhi, and Bihar. Payment demands are pushed via UPI or Paytm. Fake support staff reply in Hindi or Hinglish, increasing the illusion of credibility. Real Examples: - "Withdrawal on hold—pay 30% GST deposit to unlock funds!" - "Profit tax of ₹15,000 must be cleared before we can send your payout." - "Your payment is pending. Kindly pay ₹4,500 for swift processing." Red Flags: - Withdrawal is blocked, even after following procedures. - Demands for additional payments or 'tax' before release. - Support unresponsive or gives copy-paste answers. - No written contract guaranteeing profit withdrawal. Protective Measures: - Never pay money upfront or after supposed 'profits' to unfamiliar sites. - Check for written payout schedules and real customer references. - Use only trusted, regulated Indian e-commerce platforms for any online side business. - Beware of unusual extra fees or taxes not outlined in advance. If Victimised: - Report immediately to cybercrime.gov.in and your local police. - Contact RBI and your bank to alert them of the scam. - Save all chat logs and withdrawal attempts for investigation. Related Scams: - Fake freelancing portals with blocked payout fraud. - Cashback or refund scams luring you into sending money to unlock non-existent funds.
Visual Intelligence:
BharatSecure's AI has identified this as a used in scams targeting Indian users.
Who Does Payment Block & Extra Fee Withdrawal Scam Target?
General public across India
Red Flags — How to Identify Payment Block & Extra Fee Withdrawal Scam
- Demands for 'GST' or 'processing' fees before payout
- Unresponsive or vague customer support
- Fake sales dashboard with no real sales
- No advance written contract for withdrawals
What To Do If You Encounter Payment Block & Extra Fee Withdrawal Scam
- Do not click any links or share personal information
- Block and report the sender immediately
- Report at cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930
- Inform your bank if financial details were shared
How to Report Payment Block & Extra Fee Withdrawal Scam in India
- Call 1930 — National Cyber Crime Helpline (24x7)
- File a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in
- Contact your bank immediately if money was lost
- Call RBI helpline: 14440 for banking fraud
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Payment Block & Extra Fee Withdrawal Scam?
- Overview: Many Indians trying their hand at global dropshipping are being duped by websites that intentionally block legitimate withdrawals, then demand more money for 'release.' This can lead to spiraling losses without any return, especially for first-time sellers. How It Works: Victims sign up and start selling (often on fake platforms or sites built by scammers), sometimes even seeing dummy 'sales' numbers. When they try to withdraw profits, the platform claims extra GST, 'processing' or 'p
- How does Payment Block & Extra Fee Withdrawal Scam work?
- Overview: Many Indians trying their hand at global dropshipping are being duped by websites that intentionally block legitimate withdrawals, then demand more money for 'release.' This can lead to spiraling losses without any return, especially for first-time sellers. How It Works: Victims sign up and start selling (often on fake platforms or sites built by scammers), sometimes even seeing dummy '
- How to protect yourself from Payment Block & Extra Fee Withdrawal Scam?
- Do not click any links or share personal information Block and report the sender immediately Report at cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930 Inform your bank if financial details were shared
- How to report Payment Block & Extra Fee Withdrawal Scam in India?
- Report to cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930 (National Cyber Crime Helpline). You can also contact your local police station's cyber cell.
Verify Any Suspicious Message
Check any suspicious message, link, or call for free at bharatsecure.app. BharatSecure uses AI to detect scams in real-time and protect Indian users.