Scam Alert: Don't forget these scammers while you're shopping; they attack most during festivals...

Festive Season Online Scams: With the arrival of the festive season, our homes become vibrant, and the markets are bustling with activity. We all rush to buy clothes, various items, electronics, and home decor. Shopping online is even more fun, as there are numerous offers and huge discounts available. However, this joyous atmosphere also gives rise to fraudsters who want to steal your hard-earned money. So let's learn how to identify them and stay alert.

Why do these fraudsters increase during the festive season?

When we're immersed in online shopping, the offers are so tempting that we overlook the little things. Cybercriminals take advantage of this. They create fake websites, display fraudulent offers, and steal your money under the guise of payment.

A shocking statistic

According to the Indian National Cyber ​​Crime Reporting Portal, online fraud cases (how to avoid online fraud?) increase by approximately 35 to 40 percent during the festive season. Imagine, in 2023 alone, over 1.4 million cases of cyber fraud were reported nationwide, of which approximately 22% were related to online shopping and UPI payments. This is a significant number.

Here's how online fraud cases are increasing.

Different methods of cyber fraud - Identify them.

These days, we all shop online a lot, so it's crucial to understand how fraudsters operate.

Fake Shopping Websites and Apps

These websites and apps will look exactly like the real website or app. They will lure you with huge discounts (like 70-80% off). You'll place an order, pay the money, but you'll never receive the goods. Or you'll receive goods of very poor quality.

Phishing Emails and Messages
You'll receive a message or email purporting to be from a bank, a major e-commerce company, or a courier company. It will contain a link. As soon as you click on the link, it will ask for your bank details, card number, password, or OTP. If you provide this information, money may disappear from your account.

The lure of a 'gift' or 'lucky draw'
You'll receive a message on WhatsApp or Instagram claiming you've won a lucky draw or are receiving an expensive gift. You'll be charged a small 'processing fee' or 'tax'. As soon as you pay, your gift will never arrive, and your money will be gone.

So how do you avoid these scammers? Follow these simple steps
The Cyber ​​Cell tells us some very important things we can keep in mind to stay safe.

Shop only from trusted sources.
Always shop from websites or apps you know and trust, such as Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, Snapdeal, etc. If you see a huge discount on a new or unknown website, be wary.

Be suspicious of huge discounts.

If someone is offering you a discount of more than 70-80%, be careful. This is often a scam. No company sells goods at such a loss.

Don't transact money on public Wi-Fi.
Never make online payments or bank on free Wi-Fi at railway stations, bus stands, airports, or coffee shops. These are not secure, and your information could be stolen.

Pay attention when scanning UPI and QR codes.
When making a payment using UPI or scanning a QR code, double-check the sender's name and the correct amount. Fraudsters often use similar names.

Don't share your OTP, card number, or PIN with anyone.
This is crucial. Your bank, any company, or any government agency will never ask you for your OTP, card number, PIN, or password over the phone or in a message. If someone does, they immediately understand that they are a fraud.

What to do if you get scammed?
If you encounter any kind of online fraud, immediately call the cyber helpline 1930 and register your complaint. You can also file a complaint on www.cybercrime.gov.in. The sooner you report, the greater the chance of getting your money back.

Frequent points for safe online shopping during the holidays (FAQs):
Q1: How do I identify if a website is fake?
A: The URL (web address) of a fake website will be slightly different, such as amazon.com instead of amazon.co. It may contain spelling errors. It may offer exorbitant or unrealistic discounts. Payment options may also be incomplete or strange.

Q2: Is it safe to make online payments over public Wi-Fi?
A: No, absolutely not. Your information can easily be stolen on public Wi-Fi. Always use your mobile data or secure Wi-Fi at home.

Q3: If someone pretending to be a bank official asks for an OTP, should I give it to them?
A: No, never. No bank official will ask for an OTP, PIN, or password. Immediately disconnect such calls or messages and do not share the information.

Q4: I received a message saying I've won a lottery worth ₹50 lakh. Is this true?
A: 99.9% of the time, this is a scam. No one will give you such a large lottery without reason. Ignore such messages and do not pay any money.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Zee Business. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.