Technology
Festive Sale Scam Alert 2026: Government Warns Against Fake Shopping Websites and Diwali Discount Offers
Festive Sale Scam Alert 2026: As Diwali shopping gathers momentum across India, cybercriminals are attempting to exploit customers through fraudulent online shopping websites, misleading advertisements and fake discount offers.
With major e-commerce platforms promoting festive deals on smartphones, electronics, clothing and household products, shoppers are increasingly searching for attractive prices. However, not every advertisement promising a massive discount is genuine.
The government's cyber safety awareness initiative, CyberDost, has warned consumers about fraudulent shopping advertisements and websites designed to imitate popular online marketplaces.
Scammers may copy familiar brand logos, product images and website layouts to make fake stores appear trustworthy. Unsuspecting customers who place orders on these websites risk losing money and exposing their personal or financial information.
The warning is particularly relevant during the festive season, when limited-time offers and promotional messages can encourage customers to make quick purchasing decisions.
Government Issues Warning About Fake Festive Shopping Offers
CyberDost, a cybercrime awareness initiative associated with the Ministry of Home Affairs, has highlighted the risks of fraudulent online shopping advertisements.
Cybercriminals often create websites that resemble established shopping platforms. These websites may display expensive products at unusually low prices to attract customers.
The fake stores can appear convincing because they use familiar colours, brand names, product photographs and promotional banners.
Some scammers also publish advertisements on social media platforms to direct shoppers to fraudulent websites.
Once customers enter their payment details or transfer money, they may receive no product at all.
In other cases, the information collected through the fake website may be misused for further fraud.
The government's warning emphasises the importance of checking website authenticity before making online payments.
How Do Fake Shopping Websites Work?
Fraudulent shopping websites generally follow a pattern designed to create trust and urgency.
Scammers first build a website that looks similar to a recognised online marketplace or brand store.
They then advertise popular products such as smartphones, televisions, headphones, smartwatches and home appliances at prices substantially below their normal selling rates.
The website may display messages suggesting that the discount is available only for a few minutes or that very limited stock remains.
Such tactics encourage shoppers to complete the transaction without checking whether the seller is genuine.
After payment, the customer may discover that the order confirmation is fake, the product never arrives, or the website becomes inaccessible.
Some fraudulent websites also collect names, addresses, mobile numbers and payment information.
This makes the risk more serious than simply losing the amount paid for a product.
Fake Amazon and Flipkart Websites: Why Customers Should Be Careful
Popular online marketplaces such as Amazon and Flipkart are frequently impersonated by scammers because customers already recognise their names.
Fraudsters may create website addresses containing familiar brand names with additional letters, numbers or misleading extensions.
The page may closely resemble the original shopping platform, including its logo, product listings and checkout design.
However, a professional-looking website does not establish that the seller is genuine.
Customers should open shopping platforms through their official apps or enter the verified website address directly.
They should not assume that a page is legitimate simply because it displays a familiar brand logo.
Social Media Shopping Ads Can Also Be Fraudulent
Facebook, Instagram and other social media platforms are commonly used to advertise festive shopping offers.
Although many advertisements are genuine, scammers can also create sponsored-looking posts promoting unrealistic discounts.
These advertisements may feature attractive product photographs, familiar brand names and messages such as limited-stock clearance or exclusive festival pricing.
Clicking the advertisement may redirect the user to an unfamiliar website.
The website may then request payment before providing sufficient details about the seller, return policy or customer support.
CyberDost advises consumers to verify the destination website rather than trusting an advertisement solely because it appears on a popular social media platform.
Seven Warning Signs of a Fake Shopping Website
Consumers should be particularly careful when they encounter the following signs:
- Unrealistically low prices: A premium smartphone or expensive appliance being sold for a tiny fraction of its usual price should prompt additional verification.
- Suspicious website address: Extra letters, misspellings, unusual domains or misleading brand references may indicate an impersonation attempt.
- Pressure to purchase immediately: Countdown timers and repeated claims that stock is almost exhausted can be used to discourage careful checking.
- Missing seller information: A website without a verifiable business address, customer support details or clear company information deserves caution.
- Unusual payment instructions: Requests to transfer money directly to a personal bank account or UPI ID may be a warning sign.
- Poor return and refund policies: Unclear cancellation terms or missing refund information can make it difficult to recover money.
- Requests for sensitive information: A shopping website asking for an OTP, banking password or UPI PIN outside the normal authorised payment process may be attempting fraud.
No single warning sign proves that a website is fraudulent, but several suspicious indicators together should discourage customers from proceeding.
How to Check Whether a Shopping Website Is Genuine
Before making a payment, customers should examine the website address carefully.
Fraudulent domains may differ from the official address by only one or two characters.
For example, a scammer might insert an additional word into a familiar brand name or use a different domain extension.
Customers should compare the address with the one published on the company's official website or app.
It is also important to understand that HTTPS and the padlock symbol do not guarantee that a shopping website is legitimate.
HTTPS indicates that the connection is encrypted, but criminals can also obtain security certificates for fraudulent websites.
Consumers should therefore check the domain name, seller information, payment process and other credibility indicators.
Be Careful When Searching for Customer Care Numbers
Another common risk involves fraudulent customer support information.
Scammers may publish misleading advertisements or webpages that appear when consumers search for a shopping platform's customer care number.
A user who calls such a number may be asked to share an OTP, install a remote-access application or transfer money to resolve a supposed payment problem.
Customers should obtain support contact information directly from the shopping platform's official app or website.
They should not assume that the first sponsored search result is the company's authorised support channel.
Important Online Shopping Safety Tips for Diwali 2026
| Safety Measure | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Use official shopping apps | Reduces the risk of visiting impersonation websites |
| Verify the website URL | Helps identify misleading or misspelled domains |
| Compare product prices | Makes unrealistic discount claims easier to recognise |
| Check seller and refund details | Helps assess whether the transaction is trustworthy |
| Avoid sharing OTPs or PINs | Protects banking and payment authorisation |
| Do not install unknown APK files | Reduces exposure to malicious applications |
| Enable transaction alerts | Helps identify suspicious payments quickly |
| Save order and payment records | Provides evidence if a complaint becomes necessary |
Consumers should also review product descriptions and seller ratings, particularly when purchasing from unfamiliar merchants.
Never Share Your UPI PIN to Receive a Refund
Scammers sometimes tell customers that they must enter their UPI PIN to receive a refund, cashback or promotional reward.
This is a common fraud tactic.
A UPI PIN is used to authorise outgoing payments, not to receive money.
Customers should never enter their UPI PIN in response to an unexpected payment collection request.
Similarly, OTPs, banking passwords and card security codes should not be shared with callers, sellers or people claiming to represent customer support.
Avoid Shopping Apps Shared Through WhatsApp or SMS
Fraudulent festive offers may also circulate through WhatsApp groups, SMS messages and social media chats.
Such messages can contain links claiming to provide exclusive shopping discounts or free gifts.
Some may instruct users to install an application from an external website.
Installing an unknown APK file can expose a smartphone to malicious software and create risks involving personal information, messages and financial accounts.
Consumers should install shopping applications only through trusted official app stores and verify the publisher before downloading.
What Should You Do If You Lose Money in an Online Shopping Scam?
If a customer suspects that money has been transferred to a fraudulent shopping website, immediate action is important.
First, contact the bank or payment service provider and report the unauthorised or fraudulent transaction.
In India, victims of financial cybercrime can call the national cybercrime helpline at 1930.
They can also submit a complaint through the official National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at https://cybercrime.gov.in/.
When reporting the incident, customers should preserve transaction reference numbers, screenshots, website addresses, payment receipts and relevant communication records.
Prompt reporting may improve the possibility of tracing or restricting fraudulent transfers, although recovery is not guaranteed.
If card details or banking credentials have been exposed, customers should also take appropriate steps to secure their accounts and payment instruments.
Why Festive Shopping Scams Increase During Sale Periods
Festival shopping campaigns often create a sense of urgency through flash sales, promotional discounts and limited-period offers.
This environment can make it easier for scammers to attract attention.
Customers searching for the lowest available price may be more willing to visit unfamiliar websites.
Fraudsters exploit this behaviour by presenting unusually attractive offers and creating pressure to complete purchases quickly.
A few additional minutes spent checking a website can help prevent financial loss.
Consumers should remember that a legitimate seller generally provides verifiable information about the business, payment terms and customer support.
Final Word
The government's festive shopping scam warning is an important reminder for consumers preparing to purchase products during Diwali sales.
Fake shopping websites, misleading social media advertisements and fraudulent discount offers can lead to financial losses and the misuse of personal information.
The safest approach is to shop through verified platforms, check website addresses carefully and avoid offers that appear too good to be true.
Never share OTPs, UPI PINs or banking passwords with unknown individuals, and avoid downloading shopping applications from suspicious links.
If financial fraud occurs, report it immediately by calling 1930 or visiting cybercrime.gov.in.
Disclaimer: This article provides general cybersecurity awareness information. Fraud methods can change, and consumers should follow current advisories from CyberDost, their banks and official cybercrime authorities.
