Got scammed by an Instagram store. What to do next?

[Aaradhyaking60]

A

Aaradhyaking60
PARTICIPANT
March 31, 2025 at 7:25 pm

First post on the platform.

I placed an order for a watch from the page [thriftwatchesindia](https://www.instagram.com/thriftwatchesindia/) worth Rs 6500.

I asked for his Whatsapp before doing the transaction, but he refused, saying its only for priority support. He was so convincing and professional that I pay him anyway. He assures me my order will be placed and a few days passed. I ask for shipping updates, nothing. I ask what’s the update, no reply.

Soon after, I realize that the entire page is made by stealing clips from other accounts and cutting clips from YT videos. Even his reviews are stolen from the Pakistani watch seller “Thriftwatches” page. I reach out to the Pakistani seller, and they say that although they are aware that this page is a scammer and steals from them, they can’t do anything since its out of their jurisdiction.

Realizing I’ve been scammed, I went to my local police station, trying to file a complaint. They said 6500 is not a big enough amount to warrant an investigation, and lectured me instead. I was already pretty shattered at that point.

I soon realized that the entire page is a red flag. Although there’s 52k followers, the posts have very few likes. Plus, he has disabled comments on all his posts. All of his reviews omit the username, because they are stolen, and every product photo or video has a different hand and background. I feel like a fool for not doing proper research before blindly selling this fraudster.

I messaged the page multiple times since, asking for my money back, but they completely ignore my texts. So far, I have their bank details, and UPI ID. I am afraid of filing a cyber crime complaint online because that will likely get my bank account frozen as well, and I know it’s a big hassle to reopen it.

I saved up for almost 6 7 months to finally gift myself nice and this happens. Any idea what to do? Also please report the page, its scamming innocents every day.

Again, its thriftwatchesindia on Instagram. ([link](https://www.instagram.com/thriftwatchesindia/))

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[Swiftninja1528]

S

Swiftninja1528
PARTICIPANT
March 31, 2025 at 7:37 pm

Don’t buy things from Instagram,

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[Aaradhyaking60]

A

Aaradhyaking60
OP
March 31, 2025 at 8:01 pm

learned my lesson the very hard way

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[Luckyking6761]

L

Luckyking6761
PARTICIPANT
March 31, 2025 at 8:26 pm

I ordered from a similar insta page, got my confirmation 5th day, so don’t get to conclusions this early, I hope you get your watch.

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[Braveseeker242]

B

Braveseeker242
PARTICIPANT
March 31, 2025 at 7:40 pm

call 1930 and report cyber fraud

Visit police station and request freezing of receiver account. Tell cops it’s okay if they don’t investigate, but just freeze his account

Register complaint on NCH app and PG portal

Post in r/Instagramshops

and avoid buying from Instagram shops

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[Luckybear8410]

L

Luckybear8410
PARTICIPANT
April 1, 2025 at 5:22 am

Buy but always pay COD.

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