Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has announced that e-commerce platforms charging additional fees for cash-on-delivery (COD) transactions will face stringent action.

The move comes as part of the government’s effort to eliminate “dark patterns”—deceptive practices that mislead and exploit consumers.

Dark patterns in e-commerce often include tactics such as:

Imposing hidden fees under headings like “Offer Handling Fee,” “Payment Handling Fee,” or “Protect Promise Fee.”

Creating a false sense of urgency, such as claiming limited stock when ample inventory exists.

Using confusing or hard-to-notice fee disclosures to pressure buyers into paying more.

Consumer Complaints Prompt Action

The crackdown was prompted by a viral social media post in which a customer was charged Rs 226 as extra COD

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