Scammers on the prowl, here's how to shop safe during festival season

Fake e-commerce offers dominate, with counterfeit websites mimicking popular platforms to lure buyers with unreal discounts on mobiles, jewelry, or gold coins.

As Navratri celebrations are in full swing, followed by Dusshera and Diwali, massive online sales amplify the festive spirit. E-commerce platforms like Amazon's Great Indian Festival and Flipkart's Big Billion Days are live, tempting shoppers with steep discounts on everything from electronics to ethnic wear.

However, this surge in online shopping also invites a darker side — a spike in fraudulent activities.

Here are common scams and practical safeguards to ensure deception does not overshadow your festive joy.

Watch out, it could be a fraud 

Fake e-commerce offers dominate, with counterfeit websites mimicking popular platforms to lure buyers with unreal discounts on mobiles, jewellery or gold coins.

Travel-related scams boom, too, involving bogus portals that promise cheap train or flight tickets but disappear after payments.

KYC frauds escalate, where fraudsters send alarming messages about account blocks to extract personal details.

SIM-swap or eSIM hijacks is rampant during the season, allowing scammers to intercept OTPs and access accounts.

"Every festive season, we see fraudsters behave like marketers, they study consumer trends, run their own campaigns, and exploit the festive rush. Our data shows simple but damaging frauds like promo abuse jump by over 32 percent during peak shopping weeks," said Venkat Srinivasan, chief analytics and risk officer of Bureau, a fraud prevention platform.

Here are the red flags

Consumers must remain alert to subtle warning signs that signal potential fraud. Unrealistic offers are a primary indicator. If a deal seems too good to be true, then it is. Scammers often create urgency with countdown timers or fear tactics like threats of account suspension.

“Scrutinise links for misspellings, odd domains, or missing "https" security. Legitimate entities never request sensitive info like Aadhaar, PAN, CVV, or OTP via unofficial channels,” Srinivasan said. Watch out for apps demanding unnecessary permissions, such as access to contacts or SMS, which can compromise data.

Also read | Festive shopping on a budget: Smart tips to avoid financial stress

Here's how to protect yourself 

Safeguarding against these threats doesn't need advanced tech; basic habits are enough. Always enter website URLs manually rather than clicking suspicious links from SMS or social media.

Opt for credit cards or protected wallets for payments, avoiding direct bank transfers that offer no recovery options.

Verify deals on official brand sites or social handles to weed out fakes. “For high-value items like jewelry or electronics, confirm if sellers are authorised dealers. Stick to trusted apps for bookings, shunning dubious third-party aggregators,” Srinivasan said.

Best practices for secure transactions

At the transaction stage, extra caution is vital. Double-check URLs for phonies such as "amaz0n" instead of "amazon."

Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication to thwart unauthorised entry.

Monitor bank alerts for tiny unauthorised deductions, which often precede bigger hits. Remember, no genuine institution solicits OTPs, PINs, or passwords via calls, emails, or chats.

"Vigilance at the point of transaction is critical," said Srinivasan, urging consumers to monitor SMS or banking alerts closely, as small unexplained deductions are often a precursor to larger fraud.

Responding to suspected fraud

If you suspect a fraud, act swiftly to minimise damage. Block cards, freeze accounts, and reset passwords immediately.

Uninstall any dubious apps and gather evidence like transaction IDs, screenshots, and messages.

Notify your bank or wallet provider to log a dispute. For severe cases involving identity theft, report to the National Cybercrime Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) or call the helpline at 1930.

"Speed is of the essence to take action and log the complaint when dealing with suspected fraud," Srinivasan said.

Also read | Buy Now, Pay Later: The festive season's hottest payment trend — is it right for you?

Reporting and ongoing vigilance

Effective reporting channels empower consumers to combat scams. Beyond bank grievance cells, use the government's cyber portal for tracking.

Flag fake social media pages and inform impersonated brands. Regularly review credit reports to detect unauthorised activities.

Fraud relies on speed and distraction, so it’s crucial to stay vigilant. Adopt these key habits: never share your one-time passwords or personal information, and always verify prices, discounts, and website legitimacy.

"Before hitting buy, pause and review – this simple step can be your best defense against scams," Srinivasan said.