CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Stay Alert While Shopping Online This Festive Season: Fake Offers Could Lead to Cyber Fraud
New Delhi. With festive-season shopping bringing attractive discounts and special deals across online platforms, consumers are being urged to remain cautious of fake offers and fraudulent shopping links. Cybercriminals often exploit the excitement surrounding festive sales by creating misleading advertisements, counterfeit websites and messages promising unusually high discounts. Unsuspecting shoppers may end up losing money or exposing sensitive financial information.
Beware of Deals That Seem Too Good to Be True
Fraudsters may circulate fake offers through social media, messaging applications, emails and text messages. These promotions can imitate well-known shopping brands and redirect users to websites designed to steal payment details, passwords or one-time passwords (OTPs). Offers that demand immediate payment or claim that a deal will expire within minutes should be treated with caution.
Consumers should verify promotional offers directly through the official website or application of the retailer. Checking the website address carefully and avoiding unfamiliar links can help reduce the risk of falling victim to online fraud.
Protect Your Banking and Personal Details
Shoppers should never share their OTP, UPI PIN, banking password or card security details with anyone. A legitimate payment process does not require customers to disclose their UPI PIN to receive a refund or claim a discount. It is also advisable to use secure payment methods, enable transaction alerts and regularly review bank statements for unfamiliar transactions.
Consumers should avoid installing applications or granting screen-sharing access at the request of unknown callers claiming to offer shopping assistance or refunds.
What to Do If You Suspect Fraud
If money is lost in a suspected cybercrime, contact the bank or payment service provider immediately to report the transaction. In India, cyber financial fraud can be reported by calling 1930 or through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Quick reporting may help authorities initiate action to trace or hold the transferred funds, although recovery is not guaranteed.
A little caution before clicking a link or making a payment can help consumers enjoy festive shopping while protecting their money and personal information.
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