Supplier Took Payment and Didn't Deliver? What to Do

Short answer: first, work out whether it is a delay or fraud. Ask for the bilty or tracking number and verify it with the transporter or courier yourself. If the supplier goes silent, gives fake dispatch proof or asks for more money before releasing goods, treat it as possible fraud. Save every chat and payment record, contact your bank immediately, and report online fraud on the national cyber crime helpline 1930 or at cybercrime.gov.in. The faster you report, the better the chance of stopping the money.

Step 1: delay or fraud?

Signs of a genuine delay	Signs of possible fraud
The supplier answers and gives a reason and a new date	The supplier stops answering or blocks you
The dispatch proof checks out with the transporter or courier	The bilty or tracking number doesn't exist, or belongs to another parcel
Festival rush, transport strikes or bad weather in the region	Requests for extra "release", "tax" or "transport" payments before dispatch
A known supplier you have bought from before	A new supplier, a large advance, prices far below market

Step 2: verify the dispatch proof yourself

For a bilty, call the transport company's office using a number you find yourself, not one the supplier gives you, and give the bilty number. See how bilty and transport work.
For a courier, enter the tracking number on the courier company's own website.

Step 3: save the evidence now

Screenshots of the full chat, including the supplier's name, number and profile
The agreed terms: price, quantity, dispatch date
Payment proof: UPI reference or bank transaction ID, date, amount, and the receiving account name
The listing or advertisement where you found the supplier

Do this before you send any angry messages. Some fraudsters delete chats or profiles once challenged.

Step 4: give a clear, written deadline

For a supplier who is still responding, send one calm message: the order details, the amount paid, and a clear request to either dispatch with verifiable proof or refund by a specific date. Keep the reply.

Step 5: if it looks like fraud, report it quickly

Your bank or UPI app: report the transaction as fraud right away, using the official helpline or in-app support.
The cyber crime helpline 1930, or file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in, with your evidence. Report as early as possible.
The local police, if you are advised to or the amount is large.
The platform where you found the seller. If the seller is listed on Reseller Bazzar, report the listing to us with the details so we can review it and help protect other buyers.

For genuine business disputes (goods sent but wrong, short or damaged, or a supplier who won't refund), a lawyer can advise you on a legal notice and your options. Recovery isn't guaranteed, which is why prevention matters.

Never do this

Pay any extra "release", "insurance" or "tax" amount to get goods dispatched. It is a common way to take more money.
Share your UPI PIN, OTPs or screen with anyone claiming to "process a refund".
Trust a "recovery agent" who contacts you offering to get your money back for a fee.

Preventing it next time

Check the supplier before paying: matching details, a video call, samples. Use our supplier checklist.
Keep first orders small, and ask about part-payment, with the balance due on dispatch proof.
Pay only an account whose name matches the business or owner.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I paid a supplier and didn't get the goods?

Verify the dispatch proof yourself, save all chats and payment records, give the supplier a written deadline, and if it looks like fraud, report it to your bank and to 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in straight away.