Journalist recounts online payment scam

A journalist and her partner wanted to order alcohol for a birthday party.

They used Google to find their local wine shop, Seasons Wines, and called the number listed.

The person on the phone asked them to prepay for the order, which they did.

Later, they realized they were scammed when the shop's actual staff said the number wasn't theirs.

The journalist reflects on how easy it is to fall for such scams due to the convenience of online services and the trust placed in technology companies.

She also mentions the rise in UPI fraud cases and the RBI's efforts to combat scams.