New Delhi: In a move that could reshape the way India’s e-commerce giants charge customers, the central government has launched a formal investigation into extra fees levied on cash-on-delivery (COD) orders. The probe targets platforms like Amazon and Flipkart amid mounting complaints that these charges are unfair, opaque, and exploitative. From Viral Post to Ministry ActionADVERTISEMENTThe investigation was triggered after a user’s viral post on social media exposed an additional ₹226 “COD charge” on a Flipkart order. He described them as “dark patterns” — deceptive pricing or design strategies meant to mislead or push consumers toward certain choices. Critics say charging extra for COD — a widely used payment mode, especially in areas with low digital payment penetration — is a classic example of this.