Festive Season Shopping: Smart Tips to Stay Safe from Online Frauds and Scams

The festive season has arrived, bringing with it celebrations of Dussehra and Diwali across India. This time of year is also synonymous with shopping sprees, as families buy clothes, gadgets, home décor, and gifts. While e-commerce platforms roll out massive discounts and festive deals, scammers also become highly active during this period, trying to exploit eager shoppers with fake offers and fraudulent tactics.

If you’re planning to shop online this season, a little caution can save you from falling victim to online scams. Here are some important safety tips to protect yourself from digital fraud while enjoying your festive shopping.

1. Always Shop from Official Websites

Scammers often create fake websites or send links that look identical to trusted platforms. Clicking on such links may result in data theft, malware infections, or direct financial loss. To avoid this, always type the official website address in your browser instead of relying on forwarded links or ads.

2. Double-Check Links and Security Certificates

Before entering any payment details, verify the URL of the website. Genuine websites start with “https://” and display a lock icon in the address bar. Do not proceed if the website looks suspicious or has spelling errors in its domain name. Checking the security certificate can prevent you from sharing sensitive data on fraudulent platforms.

3. Beware of Unrealistic Discounts

If you come across advertisements offering huge discounts or free gifts that seem too good to be true, they probably are. Fraudsters lure people with heavy discounts during the festive rush. To stay safe, avoid making purchases based solely on such flashy offers.

4. Use Safer Payment Methods

Whenever possible, opt for Cash on Delivery (COD). This minimizes the risk of losing money in case the seller turns out to be fraudulent. If you do make an online payment, use secure UPI apps or credit cards that offer fraud protection.

5. Leverage Security Tools

Digital security software like Quick Heal AntiFraud.AI can detect suspicious links, phishing attempts, and scam websites before you interact with them. Investing in such tools adds an extra layer of protection to your online transactions.

6. Stay Alert to New-Age Scams

Scammers are getting smarter, using deepfake videos, fake customer support numbers, phishing emails, and fraudulent QR codes to trick shoppers. For example, many fake messages claim to represent popular brands like Amazon, offering special festive deals. Always verify messages directly from the brand’s official app or website.

7. QR Code Scams – A Growing Threat

One of the fastest-rising frauds during online shopping is the QR code scam. Fraudsters may ask you to scan a QR code to complete a payment or claim an offer. The moment you scan and enter your UPI PIN, money is transferred directly to their account. Always avoid making payments by scanning random QR codes unless you are sure of the source.

8. Think Before Clicking on Lucky Draws and Free Gift Schemes

Many fraudulent ads promote free gifts, lucky draws, or surprise vouchers during festive sales. Clicking on these may redirect you to malicious websites designed to steal your personal or banking details.

Final Word

The festive season should be about joy, shopping, and celebrations—not financial stress caused by fraud. By following simple precautions like shopping only from official websites, avoiding suspicious links, using cash-on-delivery, and staying cautious of QR code scams, you can enjoy a safe and stress-free shopping experience.

Stay alert, stay safe, and let your festive season truly be filled with happiness and prosperity.