If you shop online, take a look at this data: companies have fleeced customers of ₹28,000 crore through hidden charges..

Online shopping has become an integral part of people's lives today. From clothing and groceries to flight tickets and hotel bookings, most transactions now take place via mobile apps and websites. However, a new report has come as a shock to millions of Indian online shoppers. According to the report, Indian consumers are losing between ₹25,000 crore and ₹28,000 crore annually due to hidden charges and deceptive practices on online platforms.

What are 'Dark Patterns'?
According to the report "Dark Patterns in India's Online Marketplaces" by market research firm Datum Intelligence, many online companies employ designs and strategies known as "dark patterns" to extract extra money from customers.

These techniques include hidden charges, fees suddenly added at checkout, forced add-ons, fake limited-time offers, and subscription traps. Their objective is to nudge customers into making purchases they might not have chosen under normal circumstances.

Impact on the Monthly Budget
The report reveals that 88 percent of the country's approximately 304 million online shoppers fall victim to these dark patterns. On average, each consumer incurs an additional cost of ₹78 to ₹87 per month.

The survey also found that 63 percent of customers making online payments encounter extra charges during the final stage of their purchase. This figure has risen from 52 percent in 2024 to the current 63 percent.

Which Platforms Raise the Most Concern?
The study covered 12 major platforms across the e-commerce, quick commerce, and online travel sectors. In the e-commerce category, Amazon was rated as the most trusted platform, whereas Flipkart was the platform where distrust outweighed trust.

In the online travel sector, MakeMyTrip was considered the safest, while Cleartrip was ranked among the platforms causing the most detriment to consumers. Meanwhile, in the quick commerce category, BigBasket recorded a relatively higher "severity score."

 People Falling Victim Despite Awareness
The most interesting aspect of the report is that while 81 percent of respondents stated they were aware of "dark patterns," 85 percent admitted to having been influenced by these deceptive tactics at some point.

However, consumer sentiment appears to be shifting. Seventy-four percent of those surveyed expressed a willingness to pay a premium for platforms that offer services transparently and honestly. This clearly indicates that customers now seek a trustworthy and clear shopping experience, rather than just low-priced offers.

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