5 Key Safety Tips For Secure Digital Payments During Diwali Shopping

The auspicious festival of Diwali marks the start of an exciting festive season for Indians, who eagerly indulge in shopping both offline and online. To attract a wide range of customers, many brands are

rolling out attractive discounts, limited-time sales, and cashback offers designed to encourage quick purchases.

Brands are well aware of customer behaviours and purchase patterns, which they leverage to boost sales during the festive season. However, impulsive buying and falling for unrealistic deals can leave shoppers vulnerable to scams. In today’s digital world, fraudsters exploit technology and errors in online payments to gain access to bank accounts. Staying vigilant and following a few key digital payment security tips can help ensure your transactions remain safe and secure.

5 Key Safety Tips For Secure Digital Payments
Shop Only On Social Apps and Websites

During peak sale seasons, fraudsters often create lookalike websites and send shoppers fake links to steal personal and payment information. Always type the web address yourself or use the brand’s official app when making purchases. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) advises avoiding links in promotional emails, SMS, or forwarded messages, and never downloading files from unknown sources.

Pay Only Within The Platform

The authorities have noted certain scams where fraudsters send people external UPI IDs or links outside the shopping app or site, while skipping the security checks. As a responsible individual, make sure you confirm the seller’s details and complete transactions on the official checkout page.

Be Careful With Vouchers And Cashback Offers

During the festive season, scammers try to trick individuals via messages offering rewards, gifts and cashback promises. They may also ask for the OTP sent to your mobile number, some small fees or bank account details. Be aware that genuine offers do not ask customers to provide sensitive information or make any upfront payments.

Unexpected OTPs

If you receive a message claiming that a payment has failed or an account is blocked, and you are requested to provide the OTP sent to you to resolve the issue, there is a high chance it is a scam. The One-Time Password is meant to confirm a transaction initiated by the user. Banks and payment apps never ask for the OTP via calls or messages.

Don’t Panic

Many scammers use pressure tactics, claiming that an offer will expire if you don’t act immediately. These tricks are designed to create panic and rush you into making a payment or sharing an OTP, which could put your bank account at risk.