Deals That Are Too Good To Be True
A brand-new smartphone at 80% off or a designer handbag for the price of a movie ticket is a classic trap. Scammers use impossibly low prices to trigger excitement and make you bypass your usual caution. These fake deals are designed to lure you onto
fraudulent websites or social media pages where they can steal your money or payment details. Before you get swept up in the excitement, pause and compare the price on official brand websites or trusted e-commerce platforms. If a deal doesn't make business sense, it’s almost certainly a scam.
Suspicious Websites and Seller Profiles
Fraudsters create lookalike websites that mimic popular platforms like Amazon or Flipkart, often with minor spelling errors in the URL (e.g., 'Flipday' instead of 'Flipkart'). Always check that the website address begins with 'https://' and has a padlock icon, but be aware that even fake sites can have these now. Beyond the URL, look for poor design, grammatical mistakes, and a lack of authentic seller information. On marketplaces, be wary of newly created seller accounts with generic reviews posted all at once.
Pressure to Pay Outside the Platform
A major red flag is when a seller asks you to pay directly into their personal bank account via NEFT/IMPS or through a UPI QR code sent on WhatsApp. They might offer an extra discount for paying this way, claiming it avoids platform fees. However, paying outside of an official e-commerce site's secure payment gateway removes all buyer protection. Once the money is transferred, you have no recourse if the product never arrives or is counterfeit. Always complete transactions through the platform’s official checkout process.
Missing or Vague Contact Information
Legitimate Indian businesses are required to provide clear contact details, including a physical address, customer service phone number, and a GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number). Scam websites often have a generic “Contact Us” form but no physical address or working phone number. If you can't find a way to contact the seller or if their details seem fake, it's a strong sign that they have something to hide and don't plan on being reachable after they have your money.
Fake Delivery and Customs Scams
This scam happens after you've placed an order. You might receive an SMS or a call from someone pretending to be a courier agent, claiming your parcel is stuck and requires a small payment for customs clearance, taxes, or redelivery. They create a sense of urgency, threatening to return the package if you don't pay immediately. Legitimate courier companies will not ask for extra fees via a random payment link or call. Always track your order through the official app or website where you made the purchase.
Phishing Messages About Your Order
Scammers send official-looking emails or WhatsApp messages about a supposed order confirmation, delivery issue, or account problem. These messages contain links that lead to fake login pages designed to steal your username, password, and OTP. A common tactic involves claiming a fraudulent transaction was detected on your account and asking you to share an OTP to cancel it. Remember, no genuine company will ever ask for your password or OTP over the phone, email, or text.
Unsolicited Cash-on-Delivery (COD) Packages
The COD scam preys on the confusion within a household, especially when multiple members are shopping online. A delivery person arrives with a package you didn't order and asks for payment. Scammers hope someone in your family will assume it's a legitimate order and pay for it. The box often contains a worthless item or is empty. Before paying for any COD order, double-check your recent purchase history on your shopping apps. If you don't recognize the order, refuse the delivery.
