With people preferring online shopping to avoid crowded markets and secure substantial discounts, scammers are exploiting the festive rush to trap consumers. Anticipating the growing threat, the Mumbai Maharashtra Cyber Cell has stepped up its efforts to protect people from online fraud.
The police have launched special awareness campaigns to alert shoppers and shared several precautionary measures to prevent cybercriminals from siphoning money from bank accounts. Police officials said that a little caution and vigilance during the festive season could help people stay safe from online fraud.
Essential Precautions to Make Festive Shopping Safer
Cyber department officials have advised people to avoid engaging with strangers who call with offers that appear exceptionally attractive. Such offers are often fake and may be designed to deceive customers.
People have also been cautioned against sharing personal information over phone calls, SMS, social media platforms or emails. Under no circumstances should usernames, passwords or OTPs be disclosed to unknown individuals.
Officials have further warned shoppers against searching for shopping company links directly through Google. Search results appearing at the top may lead to fake websites that impersonate genuine brands. Consumers have been advised to use only official apps and websites for online shopping.
Check Website Reviews Before Making Purchases
A senior cyber police officer said shoppers should check website reviews before making purchases. During the festive season, people frequently buy gold, silver, clothing and electronic goods online.
Before placing an order, consumers should verify the authenticity of the website and proceed with payment only after being fully satisfied with its credibility.
The police have also advised people who fall victim to online fraud to immediately approach the nearest police station or visit the national cybercrime portal, cybercrime.gov.in, to register a complaint.
Victims should also contact the 1930 helpline without delay. Prompt reporting can help authorities take timely action to freeze money withdrawn from the victim's bank account.
Police Advisory for Online Shoppers
The police have issued several precautions for people shopping online during the festive season. Consumers should purchase products only from trusted and well-known websites and remain cautious of fake websites and applications.
If a deal appears too attractive to be genuine, shoppers should exercise caution, as it could be a trap set by cybercriminals.
Before making online payments using credit or debit cards, consumers should verify the security of the website. They should also check reviews of both the product and the shopping platform to determine whether other customers have previously made purchases from the same seller.
People have been specifically advised never to share their OTPs with anyone, avoid being misled by callers and refrain from clicking on unknown links.
With cybercriminals attempting to exploit the festive shopping rush, the Mumbai Maharashtra Cyber Cell has urged consumers to remain alert while making online purchases. Verifying websites, avoiding suspicious offers and reporting fraud immediately remain essential precautions to protect bank accounts during Diwali shopping.
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