Diwali shoppers warned of surge in festive season fraud schemes

As Indians prepare for Diwali shopping, digital fraud has emerged as a significant threat to festive season spending. Cybersecurity analysts have identified multiple scam vectors targeting consumers through seemingly legitimate promotional channels, from counterfeit discount websites to fraudulent payment platforms.

Among the most prevalent schemes are phishing links distributed via social media and messaging applications, designed to harvest banking credentials and personal information. Fraudsters have also created lookalike e-commerce platforms offering unrealistic discounts to lure unsuspecting shoppers. Unauthorized access to UPI payment systems represents another critical vulnerability, with criminals intercepting transaction details through compromised merchant networks.

Experts advise consumers to verify seller authenticity before completing purchases and avoid clicking promotional links from unverified sources. Using secure payment methods and enabling two-factor authentication on financial accounts significantly reduces fraud risk. Shopping through official retail apps and established platforms rather than third-party links provides an additional layer of protection.

Financial institutions have also begun promoting cyber insurance products to shield consumers against potential losses from online fraud during high-spending seasons. Experts recommend reviewing policy terms carefully to understand coverage limits and claim procedures before purchasing protection plans.

Cyber authorities continue monitoring fraudulent activity during peak shopping periods and urge consumers to report suspicious transactions immediately to their banks and relevant law enforcement agencies.