Government Alerts Shoppers: Watch Out for ‘Drip Pricing’ Scams During Festive Sales
As India’s festive shopping season intensifies, the government has issued an important advisory regarding a misleading pricing technique known as “Drip Pricing.” The Ministry of Consumer Affairs issued a warning on October 22, 2025, cautioning online shoppers about hidden fees that can inflate prices during the checkout process.
Understanding Drip Pricing
Drip Pricing is a tactic used by many online retailers, where the initial price of an item seems attractive at first. However, as customers proceed through the purchasing process, they may encounter additional charges—ranging from service fees to packaging costs—that can significantly raise the final total. For example, a product marked at ₹4,000 could end up costing ₹4,200 or more by the time checkout is complete due to these unexpected surcharges.
Experts highlight that this method capitalizes on consumer psychology. Once a buyer has invested time and effort into the purchase, they are more likely to overlook or accept these added fees rather than abandon the cart.
Government’s Warning
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), the Consumer Affairs Ministry emphasized the need for vigilance in detecting such practices. They described Drip Pricing as a “Dark Pattern” that is detrimental to price transparency regulations. This form of deceptive marketing is seen as misleading, making it difficult for consumers to determine the true cost of their purchases.
Risks During the Festive Season
With numerous festive sales and enticing discounts saturating e-commerce platforms, excitement can sometimes overshadow caution. Retail experts warn that high-volume shopping periods like these create an environment ripe for deceptive tactics.
“During festival campaigns, buyers are often so focused on securing deals that they miss crucial details, like hidden fees,” noted a senior market analyst observing online shopping trends.
Expert Opinion: Prof. Triveni Singh
Cybercrime specialist and former IPS officer, Prof. Triveni Singh, has labeled drip pricing as “a modern form of digital deception” that poses a threat to consumer trust in online marketplaces. He explains that while this technique may seem like a savvy marketing strategy, it is fundamentally a deceptive practice aimed at obscuring the full cost of a product from consumers.
Prof. Singh also pointed out that many e-commerce sites use algorithm-driven pricing that changes dynamically based on consumer activity and market demand. He stressed the importance of verifying the final price, suggesting that shoppers should double-check the breakdown before confirming any purchase. Additionally, he cautioned against sharing sensitive information on unknown websites.
Reporting Complaints
If consumers come across instances of drip pricing while shopping, they should not hesitate to report them. Here are several methods to file a complaint:
- Phone: Contact the National Consumer Helpline at 1915.
- Online: Visit www.consumerhelpline.gov.in.
- WhatsApp: Send details and screenshots to 8800001915.
For a swift resolution, it’s advisable to keep a record of screenshots that show the product listing and payment confirmation.
Tips for Safe Shopping
To better protect themselves while shopping online, consumers are encouraged to follow these guidelines:
- Shop from verified and reputable e-commerce platforms.
- Always check the final price breakdown before making a payment.
- Be wary of deals that appear too good to be true.
- Avoid disclosing personal or banking information on unverified websites or links.
- Review app ratings and customer feedback before downloading or making purchases.
The Importance of Awareness
As India’s e-commerce landscape continues to evolve, deceptive strategies like drip pricing pose significant risks to consumer confidence and market fairness. While the festive season might offer attractive deals, it’s crucial for shoppers to remain vigilant.
As Prof. Triveni Singh aptly noted, “Digital markets are progressing faster than the consumer protection mechanisms.” He encourages consumers to be informed, suggesting that awareness remains the best defense against these deceptive practices. So, the next time you come across a seemingly unbeatable deal, take a moment to scrutinize the final price—there could be hidden costs lurking just before checkout. Should you suspect any wrongdoing, don’t hesitate to reach out to 1915 and make your concerns known.
