Follow us on Google News
NEW DELHI: The Press Information Bureau has issued an advisory warning online shoppers across the country to exercise extreme caution against cyber fraud during the Diwali festive season. Fraudsters are exploiting the surge in online shopping by using fake websites, suspicious links, and unverified discount deals to lure consumers. In response, PIB Fact Check has rolled out a specialized public awareness initiative named the Fuljhadi of Phishing campaign, urging citizens to verify the authenticity of promotional offers and confirm the credibility of retail portals before initiating digital payments.
Risks Posed by Counterfeit Websites and Fake Deals
The government advisory highlights that cyber criminals frequently construct deceptive websites designed to closely mirror established e-commerce platforms. These fraudulent interfaces advertise popular consumer items at prices significantly lower than prevailing market rates, exploiting the seasonal demand for discounts. When unsuspecting buyers attempt to make a purchase, these clone sites harvest sensitive banking credentials, credit card details, and personal identification data.
In addition to counterfeit storefronts, fraudulent promotional links are being disseminated through social media platforms, WhatsApp messages, and text messages. Interacting with these unverified links directs shoppers to unsafe web domains where personal information can be intercepted or where users are guided to deceptive payment screens. These fraudulent interfaces are often crafted to resemble legitimate bank gateways, leading directly to unauthorized financial withdrawals.
Key Precautions for Safe Digital Transactions
To counter the growing threat of festive scams, the advisory outlines specific protective measures that consumers must observe prior to making digital purchases. Shoppers are advised to verify the credentials of online portals by carefully reviewing website addresses, domain structures, and checkout mechanisms. Consumers should not accept a domain name at face value simply because it resembles a recognized commercial brand.
Shoppers must avoid clicking on links received from unknown numbers, suspicious email accounts, or unfamiliar social profiles, particularly those asserting urgent, limited-time promotions or implausibly heavy discounts. The bureau advises consumers to independently verify sales directly through the official mobile applications or verified portals of merchants. Furthermore, citizens are advised never to disclose sensitive account credentials, passwords, one-time passwords, or payment card details to any individual, including callers claiming affiliation with financial institutions.
Immediate Reporting Channels for Cyber Fraud Victims
The advisory emphasizes the need for rapid reporting if an individual falls victim to unauthorized electronic transactions or online financial fraud. Affected consumers should immediately dial the National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 or submit a formal complaint via the Ministry of Home Affairs National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.
Prompt intervention remains critical in online financial fraud incidents, as timely notification to the helpline allows authorities and banking institutions to intervene early and block fraudulent money transfers. The core message of the advisory reminds consumers that vigilance must accompany festive shopping, as verifying deals and avoiding hurried payments protects household savings and personal financial information from organized cyber syndicates.
