Is the extra charge being charged on you too on COD Orders? Government is going to take a big step now

E-commerce dark pattern: The government has started investigating the extra charge of e-commerce companies on cash-on-delivery (COD) orders. It was announced by Union Consumer Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi on Friday. In a post on X, he said that the Ministry of Consumer Affairs has received complaints that e-commerce platforms are charging hidden or missleeding charges under separate categories such as offer handling fees, payment handling fees and Protect Promise fees, etc. Customers say that they do not even know about these charges and they are often detected at the time of checkout.

The department of consumer affairs have received complaints against e-commerce platforms charging extra for cash-or-delivery, a practice classified as a dark pattern that faces and examplo Consures.

A detailed Investigation has been initiated and steps are being taken to… https://t.co/gef5wclxjx

– Pralhad Joshi (@joshipralhad) October 3, 2025

Dark pattern dominated on e-commerce platforms

In his post, he said, the Department of Consumer Affairs has received complaints of charging additional fees for cash-on-delivery by e-commerce platforms. It is known as dark patterns, which misleads and exploits consumers. A detailed investigation has been started on this. Steps are being taken to closely investigate these platforms. Strict action will be taken against those who violate consumer rights to ensure transparency in the growing e-commerce sector in India and maintain fair behavior.

What is a dark pattern?

Dark patterns are a method designed to trick customers on online sites or pressurize them. Through this, efforts are made to deliberately mislead the consumer. The price hidden in the dark pattern is seen at the time of checkout. This is a strategy in which a separate item is added quietly to the cart while shopping online. Many times the acceptance button is shown in bright color and the rejection option is either hidden or reduced. It is forced to take subscription through cookies. Apart from this, customers are also taken into a trap through options like ‘only one item left’ or ‘Limited-Time Offers’, which finally benefits the company.

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