Online Fraud: Festival season in India means shopping season. Everyone wants to take advantage of great discounts on online platforms. But during this time online fraudsters also become fully active and your small mistake can make them your victim. Especially on WhatsApp, Instagram and other social media platforms, such scams are spreading rapidly which are trapping people in the name of Diwali offers and special discounts.
Beware of fake Diwali discounts
The most common trap of this season is fake vouchers or fake Diwali sale links. Such scammers send attractive offers or links in the name of “50% Diwali Special Discount”. As soon as you click on that link, you reach a fake website where your personal information and bank details can be stolen. Sometimes this can empty your entire bank account.
Phishing links being sent on WhatsApp
These days, messages like “Click and get Diwali gift” are spreading rapidly on WhatsApp. An image or link is sent with these messages, on clicking which your data can be stolen. Malware or trackers hidden in such links can harm your device and expose your personal information to hackers.
free gift scam
Many scammers contact you on Instagram or WhatsApp and claim that you have won a big gift like “Free iPhone 17 Pro Max”. But the twist is that they ask you for some money in the name of “courier charge”. As soon as you transfer money they immediately disappear and your money is gone.
Fake Diwali Events and Gift Card Schemes
Many times scammers call or message from an unknown number and inform that some “Diwali event” or special gift card offer is going on in your area. If you deposit money in it without checking, you will later find out that such an event did not exist. Not only this, some fake Diwali e-greeting cards may also contain hidden viruses or hacking software which enter your phone and steal data.
Stay safe with these easy methods
- Never click on any link coming from an unknown number or account.
- If an offer or gift looks very good, first check its authenticity.
- Before sending money to any event or sale, check the information on its official website or brand page.
- Limit your phone’s location and media permissions so that no app can steal your information.
- Avoid excess greed, because this is the biggest weapon of fraudsters.
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