Diwali shopping: 10 tips to stay protected from online shopping scams

By Moneycontrol News | October 25, 2024

Verify Caller Identity

[{"selector":"#anim-67ea0352-7af2-4d71-8ffe-bcc07c6712e7","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-c5c51a96-deba-44b7-ace7-628305044088","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 4844.45406%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-9cefa0a9-5507-46a2-aca0-a1c32b9e75d0","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-de042e71-dcd5-4048-825e-b6b98ec178bc","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 295.02933%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-c439aeb9-7505-489e-9a68-cf1b94388ae9","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-85244c7e-6e45-4237-b3a3-d5686ee59609","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 907.40714%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-c41a1e04-3ed9-49b3-afbd-c6c00a456408 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] If someone claims to be from law enforcement or a financial institution, avoid engaging on platforms like WhatsApp. Verify by contacting the agency directly. Picture credi: Pixabay

Don’t Panic

[{"selector":"#anim-280b1712-4a90-472e-a180-f4c56dca74b7 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-ec4cf39c-faa4-4781-9b0a-c9261cdb64a5","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-5d44664e-8ebf-4eb5-89ef-734af17d8814","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 4844.45406%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-c8e7ed62-9a82-4d61-9f0c-285a8809319f","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-e54c99fd-df6d-486f-9400-9d655a8afdf3","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 295.02933%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-ff0f0b6e-f0d7-46ec-9917-502e8ad97fd4","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-49a99701-40fc-4906-86d7-05073b876527","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 907.40714%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Scammers create urgency to pressure victims. Take a moment to assess the situation calmly before responding to unusual requests. Picture credi: Pixabay

Guard Your Information

[{"selector":"#anim-350d7c4c-b729-47ba-92ee-e6feaa9c782b [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-bd8cbfc0-75df-48fb-8cea-714509e96d27","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-bb24025e-0be7-4bf1-b385-f7e0c714741c","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 4844.45406%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-1d19db83-b96b-4453-ad2c-d560b24d64e6","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-d40a84e1-cf04-4ace-a4f8-dbde2fe205d0","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 393.37233%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-f972db2d-9538-4121-97f1-82a36db93643","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-b6641d0d-e4ba-47e7-84c1-907925b54c0a","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 907.40714%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Never share sensitive data over calls or messages with unknown numbers. Keep personal and financial information private. Picture credi: Pixabay

Avoid Remote Access Apps

[{"selector":"#anim-78e8900f-576d-460f-be9e-09a1b1ec8ec7 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-c9a383e9-1ca8-49f3-984f-376eed7cff48","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-6208b909-1e2d-42d5-ae10-751a09c0d7af","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 4844.45406%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-9c75d0f3-39d9-43a0-9fd2-4c285ffaa48a","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-d8113465-9945-46ff-a10f-609b17c69756","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 393.37233%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-0ba3e644-04f2-46e6-b765-154d6f846a74","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-19e18fb6-190d-47e5-8744-707cc746b56c","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 907.40714%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Remote access apps give control of your device to others, increasing risks. Only download apps from official stores. Picture credi: Pixabay

Don’t Rush into Money Transfers

[{"selector":"#anim-58ef4383-fcf0-4077-afeb-4506f2238c7c [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-034deb01-0b9e-435f-a0fb-a2b8e6fbad30","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-a77f36d8-cd0d-4f84-883a-dc95d8a60b73","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 4844.45406%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-097e2714-5d0c-460d-81ae-da9366a96b4e","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-a632e49d-3983-4346-80be-ffe9e0d76b56","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 393.37233%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-2370c810-f033-405f-b34b-2c0b5a580822","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-ea4e830e-7636-4f9a-88ef-b883af99cacf","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 907.40714%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Legitimate entities don’t demand immediate payments. Be cautious of urgent requests for money transfers. Picture credi: Pixabay

Report Suspicious Activity

[{"selector":"#anim-32a01cf7-1843-4f53-a0fc-27eddeea4e52 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-6400e15a-e954-4847-9d0c-d10421a8d00e","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-a5ba1a7a-be10-4fe9-8100-d0ae4677720e","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 4844.45406%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-174ac900-1cbd-418e-b037-e47bb02aa3ec","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-4164ed53-a2e8-463d-b334-9953ea348342","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 393.37233%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-a826bd7f-bf5e-4fde-b1d8-e982e42e6ad1","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-89c2138d-6bbb-4e37-9842-fd9a83a3a7fe","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 907.40714%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] If you suspect a scam, reset your passwords and report the incident to authorities to prevent further loss. Picture credi: Pixabay

Avoid Unknown Links

[{"selector":"#anim-90db41e4-cad1-4e1b-b9f6-418071ee654e [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-dd588439-9b94-4c92-8978-e687f94210d1","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-6e527a8c-eb5e-497e-9884-55c5f78d7b39","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 4844.45406%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-8863a701-bbb3-4966-aa3e-c3f1bed173e9","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-d2d81234-0935-4353-98f7-d922b31019c4","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 295.02933%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-d0cd4ca6-eab4-487c-a757-8614c8081fe9","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-d209dfa0-b7d8-41ab-ba37-466258709836","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 907.40714%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Scammers often use fake links to capture personal data. Open URLs directly by typing them into your browser and verify they begin with HTTPS. Picture credi: Pixabay

Monitor Bank Statements

[{"selector":"#anim-aac1e31a-35d0-453d-bf19-d90fd8f54ef3 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-f801eb8a-5e4c-4158-8468-674838a4fa91","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-988c22f0-91f0-4859-8e41-286824fd8dfb","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 4844.45406%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-d646ad82-7708-4e81-b6fc-481123dbba43","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-04bf3cbb-e69f-4c41-8f5e-cfa751e75ac5","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 393.37233%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-0bf178c3-6826-49d0-a6de-72fecca2e076","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-8f326510-fe90-41dc-8583-8ac15c79dc01","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 907.40714%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Check bank and credit card statements for unauthorized activity, and monitor mobile settings to guard against SIM swaps. Picture credi: Pixabay

Confirm Job and Loan Offers

[{"selector":"#anim-1fff1340-94a0-4627-ba17-5509369afc25 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-a16bd6f7-b72a-4ab3-8a45-4619f52c615a","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-ce9e1cbd-152c-432b-bad7-0b6d7ddcfb03","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 4844.45406%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-70bcc288-d0b2-43d6-a9ce-85df87bc638f","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-1649e981-dd95-45d0-8341-c6ee441b047c","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 295.02933%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-262c8ca3-7fa7-41ed-a63e-bd87525901b0","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-cd8f18ea-f508-426d-a38d-07df0f8f1fc3","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 907.40714%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Job scams are common online. Verify job postings and companies before applying, and review loan terms carefully if you’re applying for financial services. Picture credi: Pixabay

Keep Devices Private

[{"selector":"#anim-8d9e2f9f-76a8-41f2-8fd2-0260a7009aa5 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-014a6570-15df-4d13-8b05-2b60360667ef","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-a6e4e4bb-54c1-4a65-b63c-71277b999170","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 4844.45406%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-5b0a7d35-6ff9-4a36-935c-28ff1c175f0c","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-2f02ddff-8fac-41c1-b1d3-a65733c5484d","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 590.05817%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-25f3df5e-0095-4917-aea4-e0f2f2a6c4ac","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-e013ad51-95be-4ea7-9b0d-acc6005a8c3d","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 907.40714%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Avoid sharing your device with strangers, and always use genuine, updated software. Picture credi: Pixabay

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