Beware: They'll declare bankruptcy under the guise of a Diwali sale, To avoid being scammed, read these tips..

Shopping is a trend in India during the festival season. Especially during Diwali, people bring new items to their homes. E-commerce platforms also offer significant discounts and hold sales during this time. Consequently, people visit websites to buy cheap goods. However, during this time, cases of fraud also increased. People are being defrauded through fake websites, fake messages, and other scams. In search of cheap prices and attractive offers, people hastily click on wrong links. Therefore, it is important to be vigilant so that you do not fall prey to such scams and lose money.

Fraudsters Create Fake Websites
An Indian Express report states that fraudsters create websites that resemble well-known companies like Amazon or Flipkart. Cybersecurity expert Shubham Singh explained that these websites look so authentic that people mistake them for the real thing. The brand logos, product images, and designs are all authentic. Some websites even have names similar to genuine sites, such as 'amaz0n-sale.com', but this one is actually fake.

Phishing Links
Phishing links are sent to facilitate fraud. Phishing links are messages that entice you to click on a link under the pretext of 'Order Stuck' or 'Account Suspended.' Clicking on these links can lead to the theft of your personal information. Cybersecurity expert Srinivas L says that people click on the link first and then verify its authenticity.

How to Identify a Fake Website
- If the website name is misspelled, such as 'amaz0n' or 'flipkrt,' be wary.
- The website URL should include 'https://' and a lock symbol. If these are missing, the site may be fake.
- If the prices are very low, such as discounts of more than 50%, be suspicious.
- Fake sites often have incorrect grammar or fake reviews.
- If the site doesn't offer a cash-on-delivery option, be cautious.
- Messages like "Your account has been closed" or "Pay immediately" could indicate fraud.
- If you're asked for a bank account OTP or password, it could be fake.

What to do if you get scammed?
If you suspect a message or website is fake, stop and verify. Rakesh Bakshi, Vice President of Legal, Amazon India, says, "Amazon shoppers should check their order in the 'Your Orders' section." If you still made a payment on the wrong site, call your bank and have your card or UPI account blocked. File a complaint by visiting cybercrime.gov.in. Keep screenshots of the payment and message. Call 1930 for financial fraud.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Navbharat Times. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.