Government has issued a warning to all online shoppers about a deceptive trick called 'Drip Pricing.'
Drip Pricing is a marketing strategy where the full cost is hidden upfront.
If you spot Drip Pricing, call the National Consumer helpline number at 1915.
With the festive season running, many people shop online, especially from platforms like Amazon and Flipkart, eager to grab the best deals. However, the government has issued a serious warning to all online shoppers about a deceptive trick called ‘Drip Pricing,’ which can quietly increase your final bill.
SurveyThrough its @jagograhakjago account on X, the government warned, “The deal looks great at first, but hidden charges at the end hike up the price — that’s Drip Pricing, a Dark Pattern!” Keep reading to know what exactly Drip Pricing is and what you should do if you spot one.
The deal looks great at first, but hidden charges at the end hike up the price — that’s Drip Pricing, a Dark Pattern! #DarkPatterns #SmartConsumer #ShopSmart #ConsumerRights #StayAware #DripPricing #JagoGrahakJago #NCH1915 #NationalConsumerHelpline pic.twitter.com/4Iz2R1877E
— Consumer Affairs (@jagograhakjago) October 22, 2025
What exactly is Drip Pricing?
Drip Pricing is a marketing strategy where the full cost is hidden upfront. As you move along the purchase, extra fees are applied. Imagine this: You see a great pair of shoes for Rs 4,000. When you reach the payment page, the price suddenly jumps to Rs 4,200 because mandatory charges like handling fees, platform fees and even hidden taxes are added along the way. These fees are compulsory and not optional, meaning the initial price of Rs 4,000 was misleading. The main problem is that these hidden charges, which are essential for you to get the product, are not clearly displayed in the initial or listed price.
Also read: IT professional duped of Rs 1.5 crore in WhatsApp trading scam: Here’s what happened
What should you do?
The government’s warning aims to protect consumers by increasing awareness and encouraging action. If you see Drip Pricing, you should call the National Consumer helpline number at 1915. By staying alert and reporting unfair practices, you can help the government ensure a fair and transparent online shopping environment for everyone.
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Ayushi Jain
Tech news writer by day, BGMI player by night. Combining my passion for tech and gaming to bring you the latest in both worlds. View Full Profile
