Scam-proof your Diwali with smart shopping strategies

Diwali shopping deals: As Diwali approaches and festive shopping reaches its peak, advertisements flood every platform for various products and deals. However, with the surge in e-commerce transactions, shoppers must remain vigilant to avoid falling prey to scammers looking to exploit the festive spirit.

The Indian cybersecurity agency CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team) recently issued an advisory (CIAD-2024-0050) on October 24th, warning online shoppers about the increasing incidence of scams during this festive season. These scams, including phishing activities, become rampant at this time of year, making it easier for individuals to fall into traps that can lead to financial losses.

Common online scams to watch out for

Scammers employ various tactics to exploit trust and weaknesses. One prevalent method is phishing scams, where fraudulent emails or messages impersonate trusted brands, prompting users to share login credentials or personal information. Victims may also receive notifications claiming they have won a lottery or prize, coercing them into paying processing fees for rewards they will never receive.

Online shopping scams are increasingly common, with many individuals falling prey to Cash-on-Delivery (CoD) scams, which involve receiving incorrect or duplicate items. There are also parcel scams, where victims are informed about seized packages and pressured to pay fines to avoid legal repercussions. In mistaken money transfer schemes, scammers claim to have sent money by mistake and pressure victims to return the funds, often with fake proof. Digital arrest scams involve threats of arrest unless a “fine” is paid.

Tips for safe online shopping

To ensure a safe shopping experience during the festive season, shoppers should prioritise shopping on secure websites. Always confirm that the URL begins with 'https' and remain cautious of offers that seem too enticing. Scammers often create counterfeit sales or fraudulent websites to deceive unwitting shoppers into providing personal information or completing illegitimate transactions.

It is advisable to use secure payment gateways, opting for credit cards or reliable payment apps that offer enhanced fraud protection. Avoiding public Wi-Fi for transactions is crucial, as it leaves financial details vulnerable to hackers. Enabling two-factor authentication on accounts adds an extra layer of security against unauthorised access.

Exercise caution when purchasing from unfamiliar vendors, especially when validating the authenticity of items like gold and silver jewellery. Counterfeit products may resemble genuine brands but are of lower quality. It's wise to avoid cash payments, as they are challenging to track and dispute if fraud occurs.