New Delhi — McAfee report warns of rising tech-driven fraud amid India’s Diwali shopping boom.
Rising Cyber Threat Amid Festive Cheer
As Diwali approaches and online shopping platforms witness record activity, cybercriminals are finding their own festival of opportunities. A new report by global cybersecurity company McAfee has revealed that one in three Indian consumers has fallen victim to some form of online fraud or scam during this year’s festive season.
According to the report, 37 percent of victims suffered financial losses, while others experienced identity theft, data breaches, and emotional distress. Fraudsters are now deploying Artificial Intelligence (AI) and deepfake technology to create convincing scams — from fake celebrity endorsements and bogus discount ads to fraudulent e-commerce sites that mimic legitimate brands.
“AI Has Become a New Weapon for Scammers,” says McAfee Official.
Pratim Mukherjee, Senior Director of Engineering at McAfee, said-
“The festive season is a time of joy and generosity, but it has also become a hunting ground for scammers. AI-driven frauds are among the biggest threats to online consumers today. These scams are not only technologically sophisticated but also psychologically manipulative.”
He advised consumers to remain vigilant by verifying websites, using strong passwords, and avoiding suspicious links or offers, emphasizing that even simple preventive steps can go a long way in protecting online shoppers.
FCRF Launches CCLP Program to Train India’s Next Generation of Cyber Law Practitioners
India’s Festive Shopping Turns Digital — and Riskier
The report notes that India’s festive shopping has moved decisively online, driven by better discounts (64%), convenience (60%), product variety (52%), and faster delivery (51%).
A growing 77 per cent of shoppers now purchase via smartphones, particularly those aged 25 to 44, who are leading the digital retail boom. However, this transition has also exposed consumers to increasing cyber vulnerabilities.
According to McAfee:
- 96% of Indians are worried about online scams.
- 72% believe AI-powered frauds are more dangerous than last year.
- 91% have received suspicious messages, such as fake “gift card wins” (49%), “limited-time offers” (40%), or “refund alerts” (27%).
On average, Indian consumers face 12 scam attempts per day, ranging from phishing emails and fraudulent SMS to deceptive social media ads.
“Deepfake Technology Has Empowered Criminals” — Prof. Triveni Singh
Commenting on the findings, Cybercrime Expert and Former IPS Officer Prof. Triveni Singh said,
“AI and deepfake technology have given cybercriminals a dangerous new arsenal. They are no longer just technically skilled — they’ve become psychological manipulators. Fake videos using celebrity faces to promote counterfeit brands are now alarmingly common, misleading even educated consumers.”
He further warned,
“During the festive season, scammers exploit emotional triggers — like ‘limited-time deals’ or ‘refund offers.’ Clicking on such links often results in data theft or unauthorized bank withdrawals. Consumers must verify every offer through official company websites or apps instead of trusting random messages.”
A Shift Toward Digital Vigilance
The McAfee report highlights that 98 per cent of Indians plan to strengthen their online safety practices this festive season:
- 55% intend to shop only on trusted websites.
- 53% will adopt stronger passwords and two-factor authentication.
- Many plan to verify suspicious messages directly with retailers before taking action.
Experts say that as India’s digital economy expands rapidly, cyber threats are evolving just as fast, demanding a culture of awareness and proactive protection.
“In the Digital Era, Vigilance Is the New Security”
As Prof. Triveni Singh aptly concludes,
“In the digital era, caution is the new security. If consumers remain alert, no scammer can steal their festive joy.”
In a season defined by light and celebration, one truth stands out —
Cyber awareness has become the brightest lamp of modern India’s festive spirit.
