Stay safe from online scams this Diwali sales season with essential tips on verifying offers, protecting personal data, and secure shopping practices. Avoid fraud and shop securely.
As Diwali approaches, the excitement of festive sales on major e-commerce platforms like Flipkart and Amazon reaches its peak. Shoppers eagerly await these offers to grab their favorite products at discounted prices. However, along with the festive cheer, cybercriminals also gear up to exploit unsuspecting buyers through various online scams. It is essential to stay vigilant and adopt safe practices to avoid falling prey to fraud during Diwali sales.
Rise in Online Scams During Diwali Sales
Every year, incidents of online fraud spike during the Diwali shopping season. Scammers use increasingly sophisticated tactics, such as fake SMS messages, phishing emails, and counterfeit websites that mimic popular online stores. These fraudulent communications lure buyers with irresistible offers, tempting them to click malicious links or share sensitive information, resulting in financial loss and data breaches.
How to Stay Safe from Diwali Online Scams
To ensure a secure and enjoyable shopping experience during the festive season, follow these crucial safety tips:
1. Verify Offers and Website URLs
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Official Websites Only: Always check offers by visiting the official e-commerce websites directly, such as flipkart.com or amazon.in. Avoid clicking on promotional links received via SMS, WhatsApp, or social media.
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Check for HTTPS: Ensure the website URL starts with “https://” which indicates a secure connection. Beware of websites with suspicious or misspelled URLs.
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Avoid Unknown Links: Do not open links from unknown sources or suspicious messages on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp.
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2. Protect Personal and Financial Information
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Never Share OTPs or Passwords: Do not disclose one-time passwords (OTPs), bank details, or passwords over calls or messages, especially if unsolicited.
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Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Transactions: Conduct financial transactions only over trusted networks. Public Wi-Fi can be insecure and may expose your data to hackers.
3. Secure Delivery Practices
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Prefer Cash-on-Delivery (COD): When available, opt for COD to reduce the risk of fraudulent payments.
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Reject Unordered Items: Never accept or pay for any deliveries you did not order, as scammers sometimes send fake goods to extract payments.
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Use Official Channels: Communicate with delivery personnel only through official app notifications or verified SMS alerts from the seller.
4. Use Enhanced Security Measures
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Install Security Apps: Protect your devices with trusted antivirus and mobile security apps that detect malware and phishing attempts.
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Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Activate 2FA on all payment and shopping accounts for an extra layer of protection.
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Set Transaction Limits: Use UPI or banking app features to limit transaction amounts, minimizing potential losses in case of fraud.
Government Initiatives and Awareness
The Indian government has launched several awareness campaigns and cybersecurity initiatives to protect consumers from online frauds. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity immediately to cybercrime cells and use official portals for complaints.
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