The annual festival season, traditionally marked by joyous shopping and gift-giving, has become a high-stakes hunting ground for online scammers, according to new research. A report by cybersecurity firm McAfee highlights that an unprecedented 69% of Indian festive shoppers have encountered digital scams, indicating a widespread vulnerability fueled by the rapid shift to mobile commerce.
The Rise of AI-Powered Deception
The most striking trend is the integration of Artificial Intelligence into scam operations. Cybercriminals are no longer relying on simple phishing emails; they are employing deepfake technology to build convincing lures.
The research found that 69% of consumers came across deepfake celebrity endorsements during festive sales. These hyper-realistic fake videos and ads are designed to trick shoppers into believing a fraudulent offer is legitimate, persuading them to make purchases or share sensitive personal information. The fear is palpable: 72% of Indians expressed increased anxiety about these AI-powered scams compared to the previous year, demonstrating a growing awareness of the sophisticated threats lurking online. Scammers are also becoming more aggressive, with the average Indian facing a staggering 12 scam attempts per day across text messages, emails, and social media platforms.
The Human and Financial Toll
The consequences of these attacks are significant, extending beyond just monetary loss. The McAfee report indicates that one in three Indians has fallen victim to an online scam, with 37% of victims confirming financial losses.
Yet, the emotional damage is often overlooked. Among victims, 91% reported feelings of anger, anxiety, or embarrassment following the incident. Despite the distress, a notable 28% chose not to disclose their experiences due to a sense of shame, highlighting a silent epidemic where many victims suffer in isolation.
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A Flood of Suspicious Messages
Scammers are utilizing the excitement and urgency of the festive season to their advantage. The vast majority of respondents—an alarming 91%—reported receiving suspicious messages specifically related to shopping.
The common tactics used by fraudsters include unsolicited messages promoting fake “gift card wins,” “limited-time offers” that demand immediate action, and fraudulent “refund notifications” designed to capture banking details. These messages prey on the consumer’s desire for a good deal or their concern over a perceived issue with an order, bypassing basic caution through psychological pressure.
Proactive Steps for Digital Safety
Despite the gloom, the report concludes with an encouraging sign of public resolve: 98% of Indians plan to adopt proactive safety measures. Consumers are prioritizing safer shopping habits, with 55% planning to stick to trusted websites and 53% committing to using strong, unique passwords.
Experts advise consumers to always verify suspicious messages directly on a retailer’s official app or website rather than clicking on links in unsolicited texts or emails. They also stress the importance of using two-factor authentication and looking for security indicators like “https://” and the padlock icon in the browser to ensure the website is secure.
