You may get cheated big time while shopping online! The government warns this is how to avoid new E-Commerce fraud.

E-Commerce Fraud: Nowadays online shopping has become easier than ever, but along with this, cases of online fraud are also increasing rapidly. As the number of online buyers is increasing, cybercriminals are also targeting them in new ways. These thugs are creating fake websites, calling fake customer service, and trying to steal people's personal and banking information by sending phishing SMS.

Government advised to be cautious

The Indian Cyber ​​Crime Coordination Center (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a public warning in view of this danger. In this, users have been advised to be cautious of fake shopping websites, fake delivery messages and scam links sent in the name of order updates. The government's cyber security agency CyberDost also tweeted, "Beware of online shopping scams, fake sites and phishing messages are increasing. Do not click on any link without checking. Shop only on trusted platforms." What is a shopping scam? Online thugs adopt many methods to deceive users so that money or bank information can be obtained from them. Phishing delivery message: You will get an SMS or email stating that your order is on hold or payment has to be confirmed. Clicking on the link in the message takes you to a fake website, which steals your card or UPI details. Fake websites: These sites look like real e-commerce platforms. They lure you with big discounts and rare products. As soon as you make the payment, either the product does not arrive or the site disappears. Social media scams: Fake deals are promoted through sponsored posts on platforms like Facebook. Clicking on these takes you to a fake website that asks for your personal information.

Payment confirmation fraud: Such fake messages come in which it is written that your order could not be completed, please verify the payment. As soon as you click, a virus or malware gets downloaded or your bank details can be stolen.

Keep yourself safe like this

Follow some precautions to avoid these scams.

Do not open the link given in the message received from an unknown number or email. To check the status of your order, visit the relevant website or app only.

Always use the official e-commerce app or website. Do not trust the deals from social media or forwarded messages.

Before making the payment, make sure that the URL of the website starts with “https://” and is not a misspelled name of a popular site like “amaz0n.in”.

No legitimate company will ask you for OTP or card security code. Be cautious immediately of anyone who does this.

If you are shopping from less known sites, first check customer reviews and ratings.

If you have become a victim of any fraud, immediately call the 1930 helpline or file a report on cybercrime.gov.in.

Be cautious while shopping online, so that the advantage of convenience does not turn into a loss.