Ahead of the festive season, companies are making every possible attempt to increase the sales by offering huge discounts and schemes. These offers to customers are available online and offline. The sole purpose of these offers is to increase the sales and provide maximum benefits to the customers. It helps both the companies as well as the customers. However, along with genuine companies fraudsters too have appeared on the scene and customers have to remain cautious. They have to differentiate between genuine sellers and scamsters.
Festivals in India are traditionally associated with shopping, celebrations and the exchange of gifts. For businesses, this period represents one of the most important opportunities to increase sales, clear inventories and attract new customers. Companies across sectors, including electronics, automobiles, clothing, home appliances and consumer goods, introduce special festive offers, cashback schemes, exchange bonuses and easy instalment facilities. Online platforms compete with one another through flash sales, coupon codes and limited-period deals, while offline retailers offer discounts and attractive packages to retain customers. The growing popularity of festive shopping has also created a favourable environment for cybercriminals and unscrupulous sellers. Fraudsters often exploit the desire to secure maximum discounts by advertising unbelievable deals, creating fake shopping websites, circulating misleading advertisements and impersonating established brands. Fake social media accounts, fraudulent links and deceptive messages promising exclusive offers can easily mislead consumers who act in haste.
Online payment fraud is another major concern. Unsuspecting buyers may be persuaded to share their bank details, card information, one-time passwords (OTPs) or other confidential information. In some cases, customers pay for products that are never delivered, while others receive counterfeit or inferior goods instead of the items advertised. Fraudsters may also use fake customer-care numbers and fraudulent payment links to gain access to victims’ accounts.
Consumers must, therefore, understand that an unusually attractive offer does not necessarily represent a genuine bargain. Before making a purchase, buyers should verify the seller’s credentials, check the website address, read customer reviews and carefully examine the terms and conditions. Shopping through official brand websites, authorised retailers and trusted platforms can significantly reduce the risk of fraud. Consumers should also compare prices across different sellers, as some businesses may inflate the original price before advertising a seemingly substantial discount.
Equally important is the need to protect personal and financial information. No genuine bank or authorised seller should ask customers to disclose their OTPs, passwords or PINs. Suspicious links and unsolicited messages promising extraordinary rewards should be avoided. Consumers should use secure payment methods, retain transaction records and report suspicious activities promptly to the relevant authorities. In India, suspected cyber financial fraud can be reported through the national cybercrime helpline, 1930.
The festive season should be a time of happiness, celebration and prudent spending, not financial distress. Attractive discounts can certainly make shopping more rewarding, provided consumers exercise caution and make informed decisions. The best bargain is not merely the product offered at the lowest price, but a genuine purchase that delivers value without compromising financial security. Awareness, verification and responsible shopping are the strongest safeguards against festive-season fraud. |
