Festivals are occasions for festivities, giving, and more purchasing. Quick decisions are encouraged by the alluring discounts, time-limited deals, and cashback offers found in both online and offline venues. Many people can take rash actions to get a “too good to be true” offer during this holiday rush. These patterns of behavior are recognized by scammers, who frequently use social engineering to take advantage of them. Awareness and a few careful actions can help users have a seamless and safe experience as scams change with technology.

Shop Only on Official Apps and Websites: To steal payment and personal information, scammers construct fake websites and links, particularly during sales season. Always use the official app or type the web address yourself. Avoid clicking on links in forwarded messages, SMS, or advertising emails. Avoid downloading files or clicking links from unidentified sources since they can be infected with malicious malware that could take over your device.

Complete Payments Only Within the Platform: Some scams bypass security measures by encouraging customers to pay using links or other UPI IDs outside of the shopping app or website. Verify the seller’s information and only complete transactions on the official checkout page.

Watch out for claims of cashback and free vouchers: OTPs, account information, or minor “fees” may be requested in messages that give incentives, cashback, or festival presents. Sensitive details or upfront payments are not required for genuine offers. Before you engage, pause and confirm.

Consider Unexpected OTP Requests as a Warning: Some messages ask for OTPs to “fix” issues after claiming that a payment has failed or that an account has been blocked. OTPs are solely intended to validate user-initiated transactions. They are never requested over the phone or through messaging by banks or payment apps.

Avoid Acting Under Pressure: Con artists inflate the urgency of an offer by threatening to cancel it or to block your account if you don’t take action. Real platforms don’t employ haste or terror. Check for a moment before answering.

Users should use the ‘Stop, Think, Act’ philosophy to guarantee a safe transaction experience. Users can successfully protect transactions and sensitive information, guaranteeing a secure experience, by pausing at the time of unexpected demands, considering and confirming the information, and behaving sensibly.

Priyanka Dutta