According to the report of Indian Express, during festivals like Diwali and Dhanteras, people click on the link of limited time offers in a hurry but forget to check its authenticity. Many fake websites look like the real thing and lure customers by offering flashy logos, fake reviews and “very cheap” prices.
As shopping increases during festivals, scammers also become more active. They trap customers by using the names of companies like Amazon through email, call or SMS. In most of the cases, they make people click on the link by giving threat of ‘order cancellation’ or ‘account suspension’.”
Last year, Amazon blocked more than 55,000 phishing websites and 12,000 scam numbers. Scammers create websites that are exact copies of genuine brands like Amazon or Flipkart. They encourage people to make payments by showing huge discounts and ‘last minute offers’. After payment either a fake product is sent or nothing.
The most dangerous thing about fake sites is that their detailing is the same logo, same fonts and even the same design which makes it difficult to differentiate between real and fake websites. Website URL is strange or misspelled (e.g. amaz0n-sale.com)
There is no ‘ or lock symbol in the address bar, login or payment links are sent on WhatsApp or SMS, offers are too cheap to be believed, poor grammar, fake reviews or lack of contact details, only online payment option, no “cash on delivery”, messages like “account suspended” or “verification required”, OTP, password or Card details should be asked (Amazon never asks).
If you have made the payment by mistake, immediately call your bank or UPI app and get the card blocked. Keep website screenshots and payment details safe. File a report on cybercrime.gov.in. Contact financial fraud helpline 1930. Warn others so that others do not get trapped.
Published at : 12 Oct 2025 08:31 AM (IST)
