AI Deepfakes Now Target Online Refunds: Swiggy Instamart Case Sparks Concern

More and more cases of artificial intelligence misuse come out along with its increasing use. Every day, deepfake videos made by AI go viral on social media, and now, incidents are emerging where AI-made images are used for refund frauds. An incident has happened that has brought Swiggy Instamart into the discussion about strengthening the online refund processes.

Companies make refunds to customers if goods are damaged during online delivery. The customer must share a photo with customer care in case a defective/damaged item is delivered. A refund is given after verifying a photo. Nowadays, some people are claiming refunds by using AI to make the good items appear damaged.

A post on X (formerly Twitter) claims that an Instamart customer received a delivery of eggs after the photo was manipulated using AI. According to the post, the customer ordered a tray of eggs, in which one egg was broken. However, the customer used Gemini Nano Banana to create a fake photo of several eggs broken in the tray. He then used this photo to obtain a full refund of ₹245.

AI is posing increasing challenges to online refund systems. In the post, the user wrote that if even 1% of people started doing this, Quick Commerce's online business could be severely affected. The user explained that dealing with fake images has become a new challenge for companies. Such incidents raise serious questions about societal ethics and the future of technology.

In the post, the user wrote that refund systems were designed at a time when photos could be trusted. Now, these systems are unable to withstand the AI ​​of 2025. The user explained that the real problem is the verification system, which still operates on outdated methods. In the post, the user suggested that companies should adopt AI-detection systems as soon as possible.