The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, the cyber wing of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, has issued a nationwide advisory warning citizens against online shopping frauds involving fake e-commerce websites, misleading social media advertisements, fraudulent payment links and screen-sharing applications.
Officials said the rapid growth of online shopping and the attraction of heavy discount offers have created fresh opportunities for cybercriminals. The advisory urged citizens to verify website links, payment pages and seller authenticity before making purchases online.
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Fake Shopping Portals and Discount Traps Under Watch
According to the advisory, cybercriminals are creating fake websites that closely resemble trusted e-commerce platforms. These sites allegedly advertise smartphones, electronic gadgets and branded products at extremely low prices to lure customers.
Authorities said that after payment is made, products are often not delivered, or buyers receive empty boxes. In some cases, fraudulent websites disappear within days, making it difficult for victims to trace operators or recover money.
Officials also warned that fake advertisements are being promoted through Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. Phrases such as “90% Discount,” “Stock Clearance Sale” and “Government Auction” are reportedly used to push users toward fraudulent portals.
I4C Advises URL and Payment Verification
I4C has advised consumers to shop only through authorised e-commerce platforms or official brand websites. Users have been asked to check website URLs carefully, confirm the presence of HTTPS security and the padlock symbol, and avoid domains with spelling errors or suspicious names.
The cyber wing also warned against fake payment links circulated through WhatsApp, SMS and email. Officials said such links are often designed to appear genuine and may capture banking details, debit card information and UPI credentials once users enter them.
Consumers have been advised not to click unknown payment links or share financial information without proper verification. The advisory also urged shoppers to record unboxing videos while opening delivered products, as they may help in disputes involving fake or damaged deliveries.
Screen-Sharing Apps and Social Engineering Flagged
The advisory warned people not to download screen-sharing applications such as AnyDesk and TeamViewer at the request of unknown callers, as these tools can give fraudsters remote access to phones and banking information.
Cyber crime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said fraudsters use social engineering techniques to pressure users into quick decisions through huge discounts and limited-time offers. Experts also noted that fake shopping platforms are increasingly using AI-generated designs, fabricated reviews and cloned interfaces to appear genuine.
The cyber wing has appealed to citizens to remain alert, report suspicious online activity immediately and spread digital safety awareness among family members and elderly relatives to reduce online shopping frauds.
