When it comes to shopping during India's festive season, there are some things to watch out for. A report from 'Business Standard' in September 2026 pointed out some concerns. It talked about AI shopping assistants, payment fraud, and data privacy. Some common problems include fake shopping websites and misleading ads. You might also get fake payment requests. These are all red flags that you should be aware of.
Before you click "Buy Now" this Diwali, here are 7 tips to ensure a safe shopping experience.
1. Verify the website before placing an order
Scammers like to set up fake websites that look just like popular shopping sites. They steal logos, pictures of products, and special offers to make their sites seem real.
When shopping online, make sure to double-check the website's address before entering any sensitive info. If you see a deal on social media, don't click on the link in the ad - it's better to go to the retailer's official website or app directly. This way, you can be sure you're on the real site and not some fake one trying to trick you. It's always a good idea to be careful when shopping online, especially when it comes to entering personal or payment details.
2. Beware of discounts that seem too good to be true
If you see a smartphone, fancy clothes, or a pricey gadget on sale for way cheaper than usual, it's natural to feel tempted. But beware - the reason it's so cheap might be to get you to buy it right away, without checking who's selling it. Sometimes, sellers use super low prices to lure you into making a quick purchase, so make sure you do your research before handing over your cash. It's always a good idea to verify the seller's identity and reputation before making a purchase, especially if the deal seems too good to be true.
Compare prices across various trusted shopping platforms. Before placing an order, be sure to read the product details, information about the seller, and the return policy.
3. Don't give your OTP or UPI PIN to anyone, it's like giving them the keys to your account.
You might receive a call or message claiming that there is an issue with your order payment or that you are eligible for a refund.
If someone calls you saying they're from customer support and asks for your One Time Password, UPI PIN, card PIN, or CVV, don't give it to them. Here's the thing: you never need to enter your UPI PIN to get money, so if someone asks for it, that's a red flag. Just remember, your personal details are yours alone, and you shouldn't share them with anyone, even if they claim to be from a company you trust.
If you need assistance with an order, contact customer support only through the retailer’s official app or website.
4. Do not trust every suggestion made by AI.
When you're shopping online, tools can help you compare products and find good deals. However, just because a tool suggests a seller, it doesn't mean you can trust them. You still need to be careful and do your own research to make sure you're buying from someone reliable.
When you're about to buy something, make sure to check out the seller's reputation and read reviews from other customers who have actually bought from them. Also, take a close look at the delivery details and what happens if you need to return something. If you're using an AI assistant to help you with the purchase, don't just rush through it take a moment to review the product, the seller, and the total cost before you pay.
5. Avoid unknown apps and download links.
You may receive messages promising special Diwali coupons that ask you to install an app or download an APK file. Unknown apps can compromise your personal information or pose a security risk to your device.
When you're looking to download shopping apps, make sure to get them from official app stores. It's also a good idea to check who the developer is. Don't install apps that come from unknown WhatsApp messages or weird websites.
6. Be cautious of delivery-related messages
Fraudsters may send fake messages claiming that your parcel is delayed or that you need to pay additional charges for delivery.
When you get a message about your order, don't click on the links they give you. Instead, open the shopping app and check the status of your order there. And remember, never put your banking details on a page that you're not sure about it's just not safe. If a page looks unfamiliar, don't enter your payment info, it's better to be cautious and avoid potential scams.
7. What to do in case of fraud
If someone steals money from your account online, act fast! Call your bank right away and tell them what happened. You can also call India's cybercrime helpline at1930 for help. Another option is to go to the "National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal" website (https://cybercrime.gov.in/) and file a complaint there. This way, you can report the incident and get help to try and get your money back.
Keep records of the transaction, screenshots, and messages as evidence. Taking prompt action can help the authorities and your bank take the necessary steps to address the situation.
