Diwali Is Almost Here: How To Avoid Scams On WhatsApp, Instagram And Other Online Platforms

Festive

Season in India means a lot of shopping, and most of it happens via major ecommerce platforms and some third-party channels (can't miss out on the discounts right). However, with Diwali coming in a few days, scammers are also tightening their belts to make sure that they can make the most out of a single mistake you make online. And the most common kind of scams takes place via Instagram, WhatsApp and other places where people also run their shady businesses offering unbelievable discounts and we fall for the trap.

Types of Scams Running On Instagram And WhatsApp In Diwali Season

Fake Diwali Discounts: This is the most common kind of scam you will encounter this season. Here, the scammers share voucher discounts or a Diwali Special fake sale, and when you click on the link, you are taken to a page where if you don't stay cautious, then you can lose your credentials along with financial losses. Phishing Links on WhatsApp: In this type of scam, the hackers share messages or images on WhatsApp with a 'click to claim your Diwali gift' banner. Once you tap on it, you have invited a credential theft that can be used in multiple ways, including harming you potentially. Free Gifts Available: Scammers connect with you on Instagram or WhatsApp and then tell you that you have won a gift like a free iPhone 17 Pro Max, but you need to pay a courier fee to get the same. And this is the scam as once you pay (if you are naive enough) then the scammers will vanish in the blink of an eye with your money. Diwali Events And Gift Cards: Let's say you get to know about a Diwali event that is happening in your vicinity through an unknown number who says to are the organizer. This could be a scam, and the reality could be that there is no such event happening in the first place. Now, if you pay without due diligence, then congratulations, you just said goodbye to your hard earned money. And the same happens when you click on a Diwali greeting card received from an unknown number, that could even install malware on your phone.

How To Stay Safe From Diwali Scams?

The thumb rule to stay away from these kind of scams is to not entertain any queries from an unknown number. And if you are still planning to do the same, do the research on your part and see if the Diwali event you are being invited to or the smartphone deal is even real or not. Apart from that, avoid clicking any links from unknown sources directly, as it could be any harmful file that can cause you mental peace (because no one will love being scammed) and deprive you financially.