Fact-Check: Scripted Video Passed Off as Real Incident of Online Shopping Fraud

The account that shared this video regularly shares such scripted videos.

A video showing a man unboxing an order to discover pebbles inside it is going viral on the internet as a real incident, warning others against this new form of 'online fraud'.

What did the viral post say?: Those sharing the clip have said, "A form of online fraud. Ordered before giving cash, make sure that it is affordable. Be careful not to fall prey to 4 frauds."

The post had above one thousand shares on the platform. Archives of similar claims can be found here and here.

What is the truth?: The video is scripted and does not show a real incident as claimed in the viral social media posts. It was originally shared on 1 January by a Facebook handle named 'Social Message'.

How did we find that out?: On performing a reverse image search on the viral clip, we found the same video uploaded on a Facebook handle called 'Kutch power News'.

• It was posted on 3 January and its caption when translated to English said, Before doing online shopping, please watch this video, otherwise you may have to regret. Information received from sources."

• We performed a keyword search using parts of the caption found above and came across the original post shared by a Facebook account called 'Social Message'.

• It was published on 1 January and its caption said, "Watch this video before shopping online, otherwise you may regret."

About the Facebook account: The handle's bio clearly mentioned that all the videos uploaded on the page are scripted.

• It said, "The videos uploaded on this page are scripted and are made for the purpose of awareness or entertainment. Be careful friends:

• We do not sell or send any Ayurvedic product. If any fraud happens in our name, you yourself will be responsible for it. Thank you."

• Team WebQoof found more videos available on the Facebook account, which showed the same actor playing different characters.

Conclusion: It is clear that the video is scripted and does not show a real incident.

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