1. Deceptive 'Too-Good-To-Be-True' Discounts
One of the oldest tricks is advertising unbelievable discounts of up to 90% on popular electronics or designer wear. Scammers create a sense of urgency with flash sales and countdown timers to rush you into making a purchase. Often, these websites have
inflated the original price to make the discount appear larger than it is. In other cases, the product is a counterfeit or simply never arrives after you pay. Before you buy, compare the price on other reputable platforms. If a deal seems too good to be true, it almost always is.
2. Phishing Links in Emails and Messages
During festival time, your inbox and messaging apps are flooded with offers. Cybercriminals send emails and SMS or WhatsApp messages that look like they're from major brands like Amazon or Flipkart. These messages might claim you've won a gift or there's an issue with a delivery. They contain links that lead to fake websites designed to steal your login credentials, personal details, and credit card information. Always type the website address directly into your browser or use the official app instead of clicking on links from unsolicited messages.
3. Fake E-commerce Websites and Apps
Fraudsters create counterfeit websites that expertly mimic the look and feel of legitimate online stores. They might use a slightly misspelled domain name (like 'Amaz0n' instead of 'Amazon') or use an unusual ending like '.shop'. These sites often have poor design, spelling errors, and no genuine contact information or return policy. Similarly, fake shopping apps can appear on app stores or be distributed through malicious links (APK files). These apps can install malware on your device to steal sensitive information. Stick to well-known websites and download apps only from official sources like the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
4. UPI and QR Code Frauds
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has made payments easy, but it's also a target for scams. A common trick involves the 'Request Money' feature. A scammer might send you a payment request and trick you into entering your UPI PIN, claiming it's to credit a refund or cashback into your account. Remember, entering your PIN always authorises a payment from your account, never for receiving money. Another method involves fake QR codes sent by fraudsters posing as sellers, which, when scanned, lead to your money being debited instead of credited.
5. Fake Delivery and OTP Scams
With a high volume of orders, it's easy to fall for a fake delivery notification. Scammers may call or text pretending to be a courier agent, claiming there's a problem with your package and that they need your personal details or an OTP to proceed. They can use this OTP to access your accounts and steal money. Never share your OTP with anyone, whether it's a delivery person, a customer service representative, or someone claiming to be from your bank. Legitimate companies will never ask for your password or OTP over the phone.
6. Social Media Shopping Traps
Many fraudulent businesses operate exclusively through social media pages on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. They post attractive ads for trendy products at low prices but often demand full payment upfront and provide no cash-on-delivery option. These pages may have few posts, generic comments, and no physical address or customer service number. After you make the payment, the seller might disappear, or you could receive a cheap, low-quality substitute for the product you ordered. Check for genuine reviews and a credible history before buying from social media stores.
7. Unsecure Payment Portals
When you're at the checkout page, always verify that the website's URL begins with 'https://' and shows a padlock icon in the address bar. The 's' stands for secure, indicating that the connection is encrypted. Fraudulent sites often lack this basic security feature. Scammers may also redirect you to an external or unfamiliar payment link, bypassing the shopping site's secure checkout process. If a website only accepts payment through direct bank transfer or cryptocurrency and not through secure, reputable gateways, treat it as a major red flag.
