Diwali shopping often means hunting for discounts on smartphones, electronics, clothes, home appliances and gifts. But before clicking on a deal that promises a massive discount, take a moment to check whether the website is genuine.Cybercriminals can create fake shopping websites that resemble trusted brands, send fraudulent sale messages and use attractive offers to convince shoppers to pay quickly. Some fake stores never deliver the product, while others may attempt to collect payment details or personal information..Google has also warned about fake e-commerce websites during major Indian shopping and festival periods. With online purchases and digital payments playing a major role in everyday shopping, recognising suspicious offers is an important part of staying safe online..Here are seven warning signs to check before buying anything online this Diwali..
1. A Huge Discount That Seems Too Good to Be True
Imagine finding a smartphone listed for ₹70,000 on regular shopping platforms but advertised for just ₹14,999 on an unfamiliar website..A discount alone does not prove fraud. However, an unusually low price combined with an unknown seller, a short deadline and advance payment requirements should make you cautious..
Scammers often use expensive.gadgets, branded shoes and popular electronics to attract buyers..What you should do: Compare the price on the brand's official website and established shopping platforms. Check the seller's details, return policy and independent customer reviews before placing an order..
2. The Website Looks Genuine, but the URL Is Different
Fake shopping websites may copy a legitimate company's logo, product photographs, colours and page layout..
The difference may be hidden in the website address. A fraudulent site might use a misspelled brand name, extra words or an unfamiliar domain to appear authentic..For example, a website that adds words such as “official-sale” to a brand name should not automatically be trusted..What you should do: Type the brand's official website address yourself or open it through its verified app or social media profile. A padlock or HTTPS connection protects the connection but does not, by itself, prove that a website is genuine..
3. A WhatsApp or SMS Message Promises an Exclusive Sale
You might receive a message claiming that a major shopping platform is offering an exclusive Diwali coupon, free gifts or a limited-time smartphone deal..The message may ask you to click a link immediately to avoid missing the offer. It could also encourage you to forward the message to friends to unlock a discount..Such messages can lead to fake websites designed to collect personal information or payment details..What you should do: Do not trust an offer simply because it arrived from a known contact. Verify it through the retailer's official app or website instead of opening the message link..
4. The Seller Insists on Immediate Advance Payment
An unfamiliar online store may refuse normal payment options and insist that you transfer money to a personal UPI ID or bank account..Some fraudulent sellers also promise an extra discount if you pay immediately, leaving little time to verify the business..What you should do: Check the seller's identity and payment terms. For an untested shopping portal, consider whether cash on delivery is available. Remember that cash on delivery does not guarantee that the product will be genuine or correct..Never share your UPI PIN, OTP, banking password or card PIN with a seller..
5. A QR Code Is Presented as the Only Way to Claim a Refund
A message or caller might claim that your order has been cancelled and you need to scan a QR code to receive your refund..This is a warning sign. In a typical UPI payment, you enter your PIN to authorise money leaving your account; you do not need to enter your PIN merely to receive money..What you should do: Open the retailer's official app and check the order or refund status. Do not scan an unfamiliar QR code or approve a payment request simply because someone claims it will release a refund..If you are unsure, contact the seller through the official support channel listed in the app or website..
6. The Website Has No Clear Seller Details or Return Policy
A fake store may have attractive product photographs but provide no verifiable business address, clear customer support details, realistic delivery information or proper return and refund terms..Another warning sign is a collection of suspiciously similar five-star reviews with no useful details about actual purchases..What you should do: Search the website name along with words such as “complaint,” “fraud” or “reviews.” Check whether the seller has a consistent online presence and whether the return policy explains what happens if an order is defective, incorrect or never arrives..Do not rely on testimonials displayed only on the seller's own website..
7. A Fake Customer-Care Number Appears in Search Results
Suppose your order is delayed and you search online for the shopping platform's customer-care number. A fraudulent listing or social media account may pretend to be official and ask you to install a remote-access app, share an OTP or make a payment to process a refund..This can turn a simple delivery problem into a financial-security risk..What you should do: Use the support section inside the official shopping app or navigate to the retailer's verified website. Never install an unfamiliar app or share confidential banking details because a supposed customer-care agent asks you to..
How to Shop Safely Online This Diwali
Before making a purchase, follow this simple checklist:-
- Verify the website address and seller.
- Compare prices across established retailers.
- Read the return, refund and delivery policies.
- Avoid links in unsolicited messages.
- Never share OTPs, passwords or UPI PINs.
- Do not approve unexpected UPI payment requests.
- Keep your phone, browser and shopping apps updated.
- Save the order confirmation, payment receipt and seller communications..
No single check can guarantee that a transaction is safe. Looking at several warning signs together can help you make a more informed decision..
What to Do If You Have Already Lost Money
If you suspect that you have been cheated during an online purchase, act quickly.
1. Contact your bank or payment service provider immediately and report the transaction as fraudulent.
2. In India, call the national cybercrime helpline 1930 as soon as possible if money has been lost to cyber fraud.
3. File a complaint through the official National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal: https://www.cybercrime.gov.in/
4. Preserve transaction IDs, payment screenshots, website addresses, order details, messages and phone numbers.
5. Report the suspicious website or seller through the relevant official reporting channel..Quick reporting may help authorities and financial institutions respond, but recovery of money is not guaranteed. Do not pay anyone who promises to recover your money in exchange for an upfront fee..
