Cyber Fraud Alert: Stay Safe During the Festive Shopping Season

Festive Season Cybersecurity Warning

Bengaluru: The festive season in India is in full swing, marked by a surge in online shopping, a significant increase in digital transactions, and enticing sales. In light of this, the prominent cybersecurity firm SecurEyes has urged both citizens and businesses to exercise heightened vigilance. Cybercriminals are exploiting the festive spirit and the rush of shopping to execute complex digital fraud schemes.

Understanding the Risks During Festivities

Highlighting the scope of these threats, Karmendra Kohli, co-founder and CEO of SecurEyes, issued a warning: “Unfortunately, the festive season has become a prime time for cybercriminals. Attackers take advantage of people's excitement, the sudden spike in online shopping, and the allure of heavy discounts. They target individuals when they are most vulnerable. According to Karnataka's Home Minister, G. Parameshwara, the state suffered losses exceeding ₹2,000 crores due to cyber fraud in 2025 alone—this underscores the rapid escalation of these threats.”

Scams to Watch Out For

Cybercriminals manipulate human emotions such as fear, trust, and greed to ensnare their victims. They create a sense of urgency, threaten reputational damage, or induce feelings of isolation to pressure individuals into falling for their traps. Therefore, it is crucial to remain aware, avoid hasty decisions, verify information, and report suspicious activities to prevent cyberattacks.

Fraudsters exploit the tendency of consumers to rush during 'flash sales' and limited-time festive deals. They use convincing brand visuals, fake landing pages, and psychological tactics like 'urgency' to lure people in. Some common methods include:

Phishing links and fake vouchers: Scammers send links via SMS, email, or WhatsApp, enticing recipients with 'festive gift cards' or 'mega deals' that redirect them to counterfeit websites, where sensitive information like banking logins and UPI PINs can be stolen.

Fake shopping portals: These fraudulent e-commerce sites mimic legitimate retailers, offering steep discounts on expensive electronics and jewelry. After payment, these sites either vanish or deliver counterfeit products.

Impersonation fraud: Scammers pose as bank officials, delivery partners, or e-commerce customer support, claiming urgent issues with accounts or deliveries to extract OTPs.

QR code scams: Fraudulent QR codes are distributed under the guise of festive cashback or rewards. Scanning these codes can result in money being deducted from the victim's account instead of credited.

Essential Safety Guidelines for Festive Shopping

SecurEyes advises consumers to exercise caution while shopping and thoroughly verify all platforms before making transactions.

Five crucial digital safety rules include:

Beware of 'too good to be true' deals: If a deal offers excessive discounts (like 80-90% off on premium smartphones), it may indicate a fraudulent website.

Check websites directly: Avoid clicking on links from SMS or messaging apps. Use official mobile apps or legitimate website URLs to access platforms.

Verify web security: Ensure the website URL begins with 'https://' and displays a 'lock' icon. Also, carefully check the spelling of the domain name for any minor errors.

Protect sensitive information: Legitimate institutions, e-commerce platforms, and banks will never contact customers to request OTPs, PINs, or card details.

Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): Activate two-step verification for banking, e-commerce, and personal accounts for added security.

Final Thoughts on Cyber Vigilance

Discussing the importance of vigilance against digital fraud, Mr. Kohli emphasized, “Awareness is our strongest defense against digital threats. Cybersecurity is not just a technical layer; it relies on our everyday digital habits. By staying alert and confirming every transaction, we can ensure that this festive season remains joyful rather than a source of financial distress.”