New Delhi: The Department of Consumer Affairs has initiated a detailed investigation following complaints against e-commerce platforms that levy additional charges for choosing cash-on-delivery (COD) payments, a move seen as misleading and exploitative towards consumers.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, in a recent tweet, termed such practices as “dark patterns”, highlighting how they manipulate users and infringe upon consumer rights. He assured that strict action would be taken against violators to safeguard consumer interests and promote transparency in India’s growing e-commerce sector.

The issue gained widespread attention after multiple consumers reported being charged extra fees when opting for COD instead of prepaid methods. One X user shared his experience with a popular e-commerce

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