Swiggy OTP scam alert: How alert one user outsmarted a delivery con
A Swiggy user recently escaped a delivery OTP scam when a rider falsely claimed he needed the OTP to reassign her order. The user's refusal to share the code prevented fraud. The incident sparked social media discussion about delivery partner scams, the risks of sharing OTPs, and calls for Swiggy to improve safety measures. It highlights the thin line between convenience and security in online food deliveries.
Reuters Swiggy gig workers assist another worker as he parks an electric three wheeler delivery scooter during a promotional event in Mumbai, India, October 14, 2024. REUTERS/Francis Mascarenhas/File Photo A Swiggy customer recently shared how she narrowly avoided being scammed by a delivery partner who tried to trick her into sharing the OTP. The incident reveals risks hidden in everyday online food deliveries.The user, who describes herself as a 'loyal Swiggy user,' ordered food from Taco Bell. Soon after, the restaurant called to inform her that the delivery agent was refusing to pick up the order. She assumed the order would be cancelled or another rider assigned. She said, 'I figured it'd get canceled or a new rider would be assigned.'What happened next surprised her. About 90 minutes later, she received a notification that the rider had 'arrived at doorstep.' But no food was delivered. Instead, the rider called her and asked for the OTP. The delivery person claimed, 'Swiggy needs the OTP to assign a new rider,' because he could not pick up the order himself.Alarm bells rang. She refused to share the OTP, saying, 'customers aren't usually involved in rider reassignment. I told him to deliver first, then get the OTP.' The rider then hung up. When she contacted Swiggy support two hours later, she discovered the delivery agent had lied and falsely reported an accident that supposedly ruined the order.The customer admitted how close she came to falling for the scam. 'I'm so used to giving OTPs over the phone for packages (Bluedart, Xpressbees etc.) when I'm working from office that I almost gave it out this time too.' This underlines the real danger when scammers exploit common trust around OTPs.
The story quickly caught attention online, sparking discussion.One user commented, 'Yeah there's always some bad actors like this in any system. You were smart to not give the OTP over phone.'Another shared a similar experience: 'Same thing happened to me once. The guy was saying that he isn't able to see the address on the map and needs otp. I said…. come to the location. Called the support and complained. They took it seriously and bashed him. He came, tried to downplay his crime and went quietly.'Others raised questions about the technical side, with one user asking, 'We can know where OTP is coming from by looking at name and text message around OTP number....so I have questions did they duplicate Swiggy name handle and OTP text to access into whatever they wanted? ....how they can modify this in system.'Some criticised Swiggy for the long wait and lack of compensation. One comment read, 'You didn't get the food for more than 2 hrs. Honestly Swiggy shud double ur order price and give back, did they atleast refund the entire amt immediately?'Here's the thing: OTPs are meant to protect users but can become a weak link when misused. This incident shows how scammers try to manipulate trust and the system itself.Customers need to be alert, especially when delivery partners ask for OTPs over the phone. Companies like Swiggy must also strengthen their checks and ensure swift action against such misuse.With online food delivery becoming a daily habit for millions, trust is the foundation. Stories like these remind us not to take that trust for granted.
(Disclaimer: This article is based on a user-generated post on Reddit. ET.com has not independently verified the claims made in the post and does not vouch for their accuracy. The views expressed are those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of ET.com. Reader discretion is advised.)
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