The convenience of ordering food online is now a routine part of urban life, with platforms like Swiggy and Zomato bringing favorite meals right to our doors. However, with rising popularity comes rising risk. A recent incident shared by a loyal Swiggy user highlights just how easily scammers can exploit the system and reminds us why it’s vital to stay vigilant, especially when asked for sensitive information like OTPs during a food delivery.
The Incident: When Trust Met Suspicion
The story began simply enough: the customer ordered food from a popular restaurant. But soon after, she received a call from the restaurant informing her that the delivery agent was refusing to pick up her order. She assumed the matter would be settled—either through cancellation or reassignment to another rider.
Nearly 90 minutes later, the app showed that the rider had “arrived at doorstep,” yet no food was delivered. Instead, the delivery partner called and asked for the OTP (one-time password) needed to confirm the order. He claimed that Swiggy required the OTP to “assign a new rider,” since he couldn’t pick up the order personally.
The customer knew that something was off. Normally, customers are not responsible for rider reassignment, and OTPs are only meant to confirm delivery after food is handed over. She refused to provide the OTP, insisting that the rider deliver the food first. The conversation ended abruptly as the rider hung up.
What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
Later, upon contacting Swiggy support, the customer learned that the delivery agent had falsely reported an accident to the company, claiming the order was ruined. This left her waiting for hours with neither food nor clarity, highlighting not just scam risks but also the need for better customer grievance mechanisms.
Why OTP Scams Work
OTPs are designed to add an extra layer of security when confirming deliveries, receiving parcels, or making payments. Unfortunately, scammers now exploit the trust customers put into these systems. The victim herself admitted she almost shared the OTP out of habit, since she routinely gives such codes to other delivery partners from courier companies while at work. The incident underscores how familiarity and routine can quickly turn into vulnerability, especially when scammers pose as genuine delivery partners.
How People Responded Online
The story sparked immediate conversation online.
- Some users praised the customer’s quick thinking and shared similar experiences, reporting that delivery agents tried to extract OTPs by claiming address confusion or other technical issues.
- Others discussed the technicalities, asking if scammers could spoof or duplicate actual company messages and systems to trick users.
- Many users expressed disappointment at the lack of compensation and slow support, questioning whether the platform refunded the entire amount on time.
Despite these frustrations, the consensus was clear: the best way to defeat such scams is awareness and caution.
The Risks of Online Food Delivery
Online food delivery fraud isn’t limited to OTP scams. Other common tricks include:
- Fake claims for undelivered food to exploit refund policies.
- Account takeover using phishing or stolen credentials.
- Location spoofing to manipulate order tracking.
- Promotion abuse by creating multiple fake accounts.
With every new trick, scammers adapt quickly, seeking loopholes in the system to divert money or confidential information.
How to Protect Yourself from Delivery Scams
While companies are strengthening their checks, customers play a crucial role in protecting themselves:
- Never share your OTP or payment codes over the phone unless you have confirmed receipt of the order.
- Always use in-app support for any issues. Do not trust random customer care numbers found via web searches or social media messages.
- Double-check messages that request sensitive information, even if they appear to come from trusted brands.
- If you suspect fraudulent activity, report it immediately to customer support and, if necessary, to authorities.
Companies, on their part, are regularly updating security features, conducting awareness campaigns, and improving audit processes. Platforms urge customers to remain cautious and informed.
