As e-commerce companies roll out attractive sales, discounts, cashback offers and special deals around Independence Day, cybercriminals are also looking for opportunities to exploit the shopping rush. Fraudsters may use fake links, cloned websites, social media advertisements and parcel cancellation scams to target unsuspecting customers. A single careless click or disclosure of sensitive information could put personal data and bank accounts at risk.
Cybercriminals often lure users with unusually attractive prices, heavy discounts and exclusive Independence Day offers. Such offers may be circulated through WhatsApp, SMS, email and social media platforms. Once a user clicks on a suspicious link, they may be redirected to a fake website designed to collect login credentials, card details, banking information or other sensitive data. In some cases, victims may also be persuaded to download suspicious files or applications.
Beware of Fake Sale Links
Not every message promoting an Independence Day sale is genuine. Fraudsters can create fake pages using the names, logos and branding of well-known companies to make fraudulent offers appear legitimate. Consumers should verify the website address and the offer before clicking on any link.
The safest approach is to make purchases only through the company’s official website or verified mobile application. Users should be particularly cautious about social media advertisements offering unusually large discounts compared with normal market prices.
Parcel Cancellation Scams Can Also Target Shoppers
With online shopping expected to increase around major sales, fake parcel-related calls can become another tool for fraudsters. A scammer may call claiming that a parcel has arrived in the victim’s name even though no such order was placed. When the person asks for the parcel to be returned or cancelled, the caller may ask for an OTP supposedly required for cancellation or verification.
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh has advised people never to share OTPs or banking details with anyone in such circumstances. According to him, cybercriminals often establish trust before attempting to obtain sensitive information from victims. Consumers should therefore never disclose OTPs, PINs, passwords or payment-related information at the request of an unknown caller.
Social Media Offers Can Become Traps
Fake Independence Day offers may also appear across social media platforms. Fraudsters can create fake pages and advertisements offering expensive smartphones, electronics, clothing and other products at heavily discounted prices. A customer may place an order and make an online payment, only to find that the product is never delivered. In some cases, the fraudulent website may disappear after receiving payments.
Consumers should independently verify such offers by visiting the company’s official platform and checking whether the product and discount actually exist. The number of followers, likes or comments on a social media page should not be treated as proof that the seller is genuine.
Do Not Immediately Click on WhatsApp Links
WhatsApp messages promoting Independence Day sales can also be used as bait. Such messages may claim that users can unlock a special offer by clicking on an attached link. Instead of opening the link, consumers should verify the offer through the company’s official website or application.
Downloading an application through an unknown link can also expose users to security risks. A suspicious application may request unnecessary permissions and potentially gain access to sensitive information stored on the device.
Check Everything Before Making a Payment
Consumers should avoid rushing into purchases simply because an offer appears to be available for a limited time. Before making a payment, they should check the website address, seller details, return and refund policies and the legitimacy of the payment page.
Users should also never install screen-sharing or remote-access applications at the request of strangers claiming to provide customer support. Giving another person remote access to a device can expose sensitive information and banking details.
If someone becomes a victim of cyber fraud, they should immediately inform their bank and report the incident through the appropriate cybercrime reporting mechanism. Transaction details, screenshots, messages, phone numbers and other digital evidence should be preserved, as timely reporting can improve the chances of stopping or recovering fraudulent transactions.
The key lesson for shoppers during Independence Day sales is simple: do not click or make payments in haste just because an offer appears attractive. Verifying offers through official sources, keeping OTPs confidential and using secure payment channels remain among the most important safeguards against online fraud.
