Diwali online shopping scams: Government issues important advisory for online shopping

Online shopping scams

Diwali is just around the corner and this is the time when a lot of people start buying gifts for family or friends. And, while you are planning to buy gifts for your loved ones, scammers are planning to target their victims and Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) wants to ensure that you don’t fall for such traps with its recent advisory.

The government body has issued an advisory for online shopping scams explaining all the ways scammers target users and some tips to stay protected.

Phishing Scams: Scammers use fake emails or messages mimicking trusted brands to capture users' login credentials or personal data.

Lottery and Prize Scams: Victims are tricked into paying fees to claim a prize or lottery they never entered.
Emotional Manipulation Scams: Scammers create fake online dating profiles to solicit funds by fabricating personal crises.

Job Scams: Fake job listings ask job seekers to pay fees for applications, training, or background checks.

Tech Support Scams: Scammers claim to fix nonexistent issues on victims' devices, gaining remote access to steal data or charge for unneeded services.

Investment Scams: Fraudulent schemes promise unrealistic returns, often targeting individuals seeking quick financial gains.

Cash-on-Delivery (CoD) Scams: Fake online stores deliver counterfeit or incorrect items on CoD, causing financial loss and trust issues.

Fake Charity Appeal Scams: Scammers pose as charities during crises to exploit compassion and solicit fake donations.
Mistaken Money Transfer Scams: Scammers claim accidental transfers and pressure victims to return money with fake proof.

Digital Arrest Scams: Victims are threatened with arrest unless they transfer money to clear false charges.

Phone Scams: Fake telecom calls prompt victims to provide personal information under urgent pretences.

Parcel Scams: Scammers claim seized parcels contain illegal items, demanding fines to avoid legal trouble.
Loan/Card Scams: Fake lenders offer low-interest loans, pressuring victims into paying upfront fees for nonexistent loans.

Tips to stay protected
Verify the caller: It is important to verify the authenticity of callers. Also, avoid engaging over video calls or transferring money. Government agencies do not use platforms like WhatsApp or Skype for official.

Do not panic: Social engineering is the technique used to create a scare in people. Take a moment before making a decision in such situations.

Don’t share personal information: It’s important to not share any personal information with callers. Official agencies do not ask for personal information like banking details, OTP, etc.

Never install remote access software: Providing remote access to your phone or PC is the biggest mistake you can make. Avoid doing this at all costs.

Do not transfer money: Even if you are planning to buy something, don’t transfer money just to buy something in order to not to miss the deal. If someone demands money over the phone or online, it's most likely a scam.

Report suspicious activity: If you think you’ve been scammed, then remove it immediately to the bank and also the cybercrime department.

Avoid clicking on links or attachments: If you’ve received a link, avoid clicking on them, especially the ones you’ve received from unknown senders.

Do not install apps shared by unknown individuals: Download apps only from official app stores to avoid malware. Also, do not share your device with strangers.