During festivals, as online sales and offers increase, so do cases of cyber fraud. Fake websites, phishing links, and fraudulent messages are sent to steal customers' bank details and passwords. Shopping only from trusted sources and avoiding suspicious links is the main way to stay safe in this digital season.
Online Shopping Security: During the festive season, along with online sales and offers, cyber fraudsters also become active. Links for free Diwali gifts, failed deliveries, or limited-time offers received on social media and email are often fake, and their purpose is to steal customers' bank details or passwords. Experts advise shopping only from trusted websites and apps and not clicking on any suspicious links. If a payment is made by mistake, the card should be blocked immediately through the bank or UPI app, and a cybercrime report should be filed.
Rising Threat of Online Fraud During Festivals
As online sales and offers increase during the festive season, cyber fraudsters also become active. Links for free Diwali gifts, failed deliveries, or limited-time offers received on social media or email have now become the most common methods of fraud. These messages, sent in the name of brands like Amazon and India Post, are actually fake and their purpose is to steal your bank details or passwords.
According to an Indian Express report, people hastily click on these links and forget to verify their authenticity. Many fake websites resemble genuine ones and lure customers with heavy discounts or flashy logos.
How to Identify Fake Websites and Phishing Links
Fake sites and links often come with designs, logos, and fonts that resemble genuine ones. Misspellings in the URL (e.g., amaz0n-sale.com), the absence of HTTPS or a padlock icon, login or payment links sent via WhatsApp/SMS, excessively cheap offers, and poorly grammatical information are indicators to identify them.
Security measures include shopping only from trusted websites and apps, opting for cash on delivery, and not sharing any OTP or password. Amazon never sends emails or messages asking for personal data or payment information.
What to Do if You Fall Victim
If you have made a payment by mistake, immediately call your bank or UPI app to block your card. Keep a screenshot of the website and payment details safe. File a cybercrime report on cybercrime.gov.in and contact the financial fraud helpline 1930. It is also important to warn others to prevent them from falling victim.
While enjoying online sales during festivals, it is crucial to pay attention to cybersecurity. Being cautious of fake websites and phishing links, shopping only from trusted sources, and not clicking on any suspicious links ensures a safe digital experience.
