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NPCI has issued key advice for customers to prevent digital payment fraud during the festival season
Check NPCI’s advice for customers to prevent digital payment fraud during the festival season. (Representative image)
As the festive season of Diwali approaches, the excitement of gift-giving and celebrations fills the air. Families and friends are busy selecting thoughtful presents for one another, adding to the joy of the occasion. However, amidst this festive spirit, it’s crucial to remain vigilant, as scammers are also gearing up to take advantage of the hustle and bustle of online shopping. With people increasingly turning to digital platforms for their purchases, the risk of falling victim to online scams has never been higher.
To safeguard yourself and your loved ones from these malicious schemes, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) and National Payments Corporation of India, released different advisories detailing common scams and practical tips for staying secure while shopping online this Diwali.
The CERT-In has issued a recent advisory to help you avoid falling prey to these traps.
The advisory outlines various online shopping scams and offers tips for staying safe:
- Phishing Scams: Scammers create fake emails or messages that mimic trusted brands to steal users’ login credentials or personal information.
- Lottery and Prize Scams: Victims are deceived into paying fees to claim prizes or lotteries they never entered.
- Emotional Manipulation Scams: Fraudsters craft fake online dating profiles to solicit money by fabricating personal crises.
- Job Scams: Fake job postings require applicants to pay fees for applications, training, or background checks.
- Tech Support Scams: Scammers falsely claim to fix non-existent issues on victims’ devices, gaining remote access to steal data or charge for unnecessary services.
- Investment Scams: Dishonest schemes promise unrealistic returns, often targeting those seeking quick financial gains.
- Cash-on-Delivery (CoD) Scams: Counterfeit or incorrect items are delivered through fake online stores, leading to financial loss and erosion of trust.
- Fake Charity Appeals: Scammers pose as charities during crises to exploit people’s compassion and solicit fake donations.
- Mistaken Money Transfer Scams: Scammers claim accidental transfers and pressure victims to return the money, providing fake proof.
- Digital Arrest Scams: Victims are threatened with arrest unless they pay money to resolve false charges.
- Phone Scams: Fraudulent telecom calls urge victims to divulge personal information under urgent pretenses.
- Parcel Scams: Scammers assert that seized parcels contain illegal items, demanding fines to avoid legal troubles.
- Loan/Card Scams: Fake lenders offer low-interest loans, pressuring victims into paying upfront fees for non-existent loans.
NPCI Advisory
The NPCI has issued a cautionary advisory urging consumers to take precautions when engaging in online shopping.
Customers are advised to thoroughly research unfamiliar platforms before making any purchases and to avoid sharing excessive personal information.
In addition, the NPCI recommends steering clear of unsecured public networks, such as shopping mall Wi-Fi, to protect personal data. As online shopping activity increases, the organisation emphasises the importance of vigilance against phishing scams, advising customers to double-check payment links.
NPCI has shared a list of key pieces of advice to help shoppers navigate the festive season more securely and enjoy their experience. Check list below;
- Flashy offers and discounts might lead to impulse buying. In a rush to avail them, you may often ignore the legitimacy of the platform. Make sure to do adequate research on unfamiliar sellers and untrustworthy businesses
- When signing up for offers, do not share excessive personal information which is not required as it increases the risk of data theft
- Do not use unsecured networks such as open Wi-Fi networks at shopping malls to make purchases, which can expose your financial information to hackers
- During the festive season, as the shopping frequency increases, customers tend to lose track of what they have ordered, making them vulnerable to phishing scams. Always double-check payment links before clicking on them to avoid fake delivery notifications
- Avoid using simple or default passwords for your accounts, which makes you an easy target for hackers. Create strong, unique passwords for each account to enhance security
As the festival season continues, by adopting recommended safety measures, consumers can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to scams. By prioritising security, customers can enjoy a seamless and joyful shopping experience this festive season.
