1. Deals That Are Too Good to Be True
You see an ad on social media for the latest smartphone at 80% off. It sounds incredible, but this is a classic trap. Scammers lure shoppers with deals that are drastically lower than on any legitimate retail site. These offers create a sense of urgency,
pushing you to buy without thinking. If a price seems unbelievable, it probably is. Always compare prices on reputable websites before making a purchase. Fraudulent sites often use these tactics to get your payment details for products that will never arrive.
2. Unsolicited Messages with Suspicious Links
During sale season, your phone buzzes with messages on SMS and WhatsApp about exclusive offers, unclaimed packages, or prize winnings. These messages often contain links and create a sense of urgency. A common tactic involves a link that looks legitimate but has subtle misspellings or extra characters in the URL. For example, it might be 'amazon-deals.co' instead of 'amazon.in'. Hover over links to preview the actual URL before clicking, and never click on links from unknown or untrusted senders. It's always safer to type the website address directly into your browser.
3. Fake UPI 'Collect Requests'
This is one of the most common scams in India. A fraudster might send you a UPI 'collect request' and tell you to approve it to receive a refund or cashback. Remember this simple rule: you never need to enter your UPI PIN to receive money. Your PIN is only required for authorising payments from your account. Scammers label these requests as 'refund' or 'cashback' to trick you. If you approve the request and enter your PIN, you are actually sending money, not receiving it. Always read the request on your UPI app carefully before authorising anything and decline all unknown requests.
4. Scanning QR Codes to 'Receive' Money
Similar to the collect request scam, fraudsters might send you a QR code and claim you need to scan it to receive a payment or unlock a special discount. This is false. Scanning a QR code with a payment app is only for making payments, not for receiving them. Scammers often use this trick on people selling second-hand goods online, pretending to be interested buyers. They will send a QR code and ask the seller to scan it to receive the payment, but it actually deducts money from the seller's account. Never scan a QR code from an unknown or unverified source, especially if they promise it's for receiving money.
5. Poor Website Quality and Missing Details
Legitimate e-commerce sites invest in a professional, user-friendly experience. A fake website often looks rushed and unprofessional. Look out for red flags like spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, and low-quality images. Check for essential pages like 'About Us', 'Contact Us', and a clear 'Return Policy'. Scammers often have limited or fake contact information, such as only an email address. A trustworthy site will have a physical address and customer service phone number. Also, ensure the website URL starts with 'https://', which indicates a secure, encrypted connection.
6. Urgent Demands for Personal Information
Phishing scams often try to panic you into giving away sensitive data. You might receive an email or message claiming your account is suspended or there's an issue with an order, requiring you to 'verify' your details immediately. These messages will ask for your password, OTP, or credit card information. Reputable companies will never ask for such sensitive details via email or text. Be especially wary of any communication that creates a sense of fear or urgency. If you're concerned about your account, contact the company through their official app or website, not through the links or numbers provided in the suspicious message.
7. Unusual or Insecure Payment Methods
Established online stores offer secure and recognised payment options like credit cards, debit cards through a secure gateway, and official UPI integration on their checkout page. Be cautious if a website insists on payment only through direct bank transfer, a specific mobile wallet, or asks you to send your credit card details over WhatsApp. These methods offer little to no fraud protection. Using a credit card is often a safer choice for online purchases, as banks typically provide stronger fraud protection and chargeback options if something goes wrong.
