During festivals, fake links sent in the name of cheap goods, free gifts and delivery updates can become a problem for you. Some small precautions can protect you from cyber fraud while shopping online.
Tezzbuzz Desk-As soon as Diwali approaches, various offers and discounts start appearing on online shopping platforms. People take advantage of these offers to buy smartphones, electronics and other goods at low prices. But at this time cyber thugs also become active. They try to trap people by sending messages related to fake websites, fake discounts, lucky draws and delivery.
Many times the link sent by fraudsters looks exactly like the real website. As soon as a person clicks on it or enters his information for payment, his personal or banking information may be at risk. Therefore, it is important to check any offer thoroughly before trusting it.
If you see very cheap goods, do not buy immediately.
If you are seeing 70 to 80 percent discount on expensive phones, laptops or other gadgets on any website or social media post, then be careful. Instead of making the payment immediately after seeing such a huge discount, first check the price of that product on an official website or trusted shopping platform. Fake websites may show customers a countdown timer or messages like ‘only a few items left’ to make a quick decision. Do not make hasty purchases after seeing such messages.
Avoid links sent in the name of Diwali gifts
If you receive a message on WhatsApp or SMS about winning an iPhone, gold coin, shopping voucher or prize in a lucky draw, first check its authenticity. Clicking on the link given in such a message may put you at risk of theft of personal or card related information. The most important thing is that there is no need to provide UPI PIN or OTP to get any reward. If any website or person demands this information, close that page immediately.
This is how to differentiate between real and fake websites
Cyber ​​fraudsters can create fake sites that look like popular shopping websites. Therefore, check the URL carefully before payment. Many times the address of a fake website has a difference of one or two letters from the real website. Also check Contact Us, Return Policy and other important information on the website. Avoid downloading APK file from any unknown link. Always download mobile apps only from official platforms like Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Fraud can also happen in the name of parcel and customer care
Due to increase in online orders during Diwali, fraudsters can also target people in the name of delivery. If a message comes that your parcel is stuck or it is necessary to update the address, then do not click on the unknown link given in it. If you want the customer care number of any company, then get it from the official website or app only. Do not give OTP, UPI PIN or screen-sharing access of the phone to any unknown person. Always check the status of your order by visiting the respective shopping app or official website.
Keep these things in mind while shopping online
- Type in the website address yourself or purchase through the official app.
- Use reliable and secure payment systems for payment.
- Before purchasing from a new website, check its reviews and credibility.
- Keep different and strong passwords for different accounts.
- Keep two-step verification on.
- Do not make payment immediately after seeing excessive discount.
- Do not enter banking or personal information on any unknown link.
- Do not share OTP and UPI PIN with anyone.
If cyber fraud happens, take these steps immediately
If you feel that you have been cheated online, then without wasting time contact the bank and get the card or account blocked if necessary. Also change the passwords of the related accounts. If you have downloaded any suspicious app, remove it.
After this lodge a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930 helpline. The sooner information about cyber fraud is given, the greater the chances of stopping the money.