Festive shopping alert: Fake offers could cost you more than you save
What Happened
A DD News Cyber Alert report has warned shoppers about cybercriminals using fake e-commerce websites, lookalike URLs, social-media ads and misleading discounts during the festive season. Similar scams are being reported around hotel bookings, travel tickets and festive purchases. The report cites examples of advertisements impersonating brands such as Flipkart and Meesho, including implausibly cheap clothing and dry-fruit offers. In such scams, victims may make payments without receiving products, while personal information can also be stolen.
Key Takeaways
Consumers are advised to shop via official apps or websites, check URLs carefully, avoid paying through unfamiliar social-media links, verify sellers and monitor bank and credit-card transactions. For train bookings, the report specifically recommends using IRCTC's official website or app.