Festive sales bring discounts across smartphones, appliances, fashion and household products, but fake shopping offers can also increase during high-demand periods. Scammers may use imitation websites, misleading messages, social media advertisements and unrealistic discounts to trick shoppers into sharing personal or payment information.
Why Fake Festive Offers Become a Shopping Risk
Festive shopping creates the perfect environment for scammers to exploit urgency. Buyers are already looking for limited-time discounts, early-bird deals and coupon codes, so a message claiming that an expensive product is available at an unusually low price can appear convincing.
CERT-In has warned about festival-themed campaigns in which fraudulent links imitate popular brands and promise prizes, gifts or special offers. Such links can lead to phishing websites designed to collect personal information, passwords, card details or OTPs.
The risk is not limited to large cities. Shoppers in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities increasingly use online marketplaces, social-commerce platforms and digital payments, making basic verification important before making a purchase.
Check the Website Before Clicking Buy
One of the first things to check is the website address. A fake shopping website may copy the logo, colours, product images and layout of a genuine retailer while using a different domain.
Do not assume that a website is genuine simply because it looks professional.
CERT-In advises users to avoid untrusted websites and links received through unsolicited emails, SMS or messages. It recommends checking the exact domain and, when in doubt, going directly to the organisation’s website instead of opening a promotional link.
For example, if a message claims that a retailer has launched a festive sale, open the retailer’s official app or manually type its known website address into your browser. Then check whether the same offer appears there.
Be Careful With Extremely Low Prices
A very large discount does not automatically mean that an offer is fake. However, an unusually low price should prompt additional checks.
Suppose a smartphone normally sells for ₹50,000 and an unfamiliar website claims to be selling it for ₹12,999 with an immediate payment requirement. Instead of focusing only on the discount, compare the product price on established marketplaces and the manufacturer’s official website.
CERT-In specifically recommends being cautious about discount or prize links that appear too good to be true.
Look at the complete offer rather than the headline percentage. Check shipping charges, payment conditions, return rules, seller information and whether the product actually exists on the platform.
Verify Offers Shared on WhatsApp and Instagram
Festive offers often spread through WhatsApp groups, Instagram posts, Telegram channels and other social platforms. A message may claim that users can receive a free gift, coupon or shopping voucher after completing a short survey.
CERT-In has previously documented festival-themed phishing campaigns using social media and messaging platforms to circulate fake offers and prize links.
Do not forward such messages simply because they came from a friend or family member. Their account may have received the same message from another source.
Instead, check the offer independently. Search for the retailer’s official website and look for the promotion there.
Never Share OTPs or UPI PINs for Discounts
A genuine discount does not require you to disclose your banking credentials to a stranger.
Be particularly careful if someone claiming to represent a retailer asks for an OTP, UPI PIN, card PIN, password or other sensitive information to activate a discount or refund.
CERT-In states that users should avoid sharing sensitive personal or financial information through unverified channels. It also notes that a UPI PIN is not required to receive money.
If a seller sends a QR code and tells you to scan it to receive money, stop and verify the transaction. A QR-based payment normally initiates a payment from the person scanning it, rather than automatically providing a refund.
Check Seller Details and Return Policies
Before buying from an unfamiliar online store, examine the seller information. Look for a physical business address, customer-support details, return policy, shipping information and other required disclosures.
A website with only a mobile number, a generic email address and no clear return information deserves additional scrutiny.
This is also important for marketplace purchases. The product may be listed on a legitimate platform, but shoppers should still check the seller, product reviews, return conditions and delivery information.
The Central Consumer Protection Authority has continued taking action around consumer protection issues on digital platforms. In September 2026, the government announced amendments to the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules that strengthen provisions covering areas including consumer grievances, seller disclosures, search results, sponsored listings, price reductions and dark patterns. The amended rules are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027.
Understand the Difference Between Discount and Dark Pattern
Not every confusing shopping interface is a scam, but shoppers should understand how digital design can influence purchasing decisions.
Dark patterns can include interfaces or practices that make consumers choose something they may not otherwise have selected or make important information harder to notice.
The CCPA has taken action against companies over practices it identified as dark patterns, including cases involving digital platforms.
During festive sales, pay attention to countdown timers, preselected add-ons, unclear subscription terms, confusing coupon conditions and checkout charges.
Before paying, review the final amount rather than relying only on the price displayed on the product page.
Use Trusted Payment Methods
When shopping online, use established payment methods and avoid transferring money to personal accounts simply because a seller promises an additional discount.
CERT-In recommends shopping through trusted websites, keeping track of digital payments and avoiding suspicious discount or prize links. It also advises against using public Wi-Fi for financial transactions.
If an unfamiliar website insists on an unusual payment method, such as direct transfer to a personal account, take a step back and verify the seller.
Saving screenshots of the product page, order confirmation and payment receipt can also help if a dispute arises later.
What to Do If You Have Already Been Scammed
If you realise that you have entered sensitive information or made a fraudulent payment, act quickly.
Contact your bank or payment provider through its official customer-service channel and report the transaction. Do not use a phone number provided by the suspected scammer.
For cybercrime and financial fraud in India, the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal is available at cybercrime.gov.in, and the national cybercrime helpline is 1930. CERT-In also advises users to report suspicious activity and take immediate steps to secure compromised accounts.
Change compromised passwords and monitor bank and card statements for unauthorised activity. If you downloaded an unknown application as part of the shopping offer, disconnect the device from the internet and follow appropriate security steps rather than continuing to use the suspicious app.
A Simple Checklist Before Buying a Festive Deal
Before clicking the payment button, take a minute to check the offer independently.
Confirm the website domain, compare the price, inspect the seller information, read the return conditions and check the final payable amount. If the offer arrived through WhatsApp, SMS, email or social media, open the retailer’s official platform separately rather than using the message’s link.
The same approach applies to coupon codes. A code advertised on an unknown website should not be treated as genuine simply because it displays a familiar brand logo.
Festive shopping can still be convenient, but the safest discount is one that you can independently verify.
Key Takeaways
- Check the exact website domain before entering personal or payment information.
- Be cautious about unusually large discounts, prize links and urgent festive offers.
- Never share OTPs, UPI PINs, passwords or card credentials to receive a discount or refund.
- If you lose money to an online scam, contact your bank and report financial cyber fraud through 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.
FAQs
How can I identify a fake shopping website?
Check the exact domain, seller information, contact details, return policy and payment options. Avoid links received through unsolicited messages and instead access the retailer’s official website or app directly.
Is an extremely high discount always a scam?
No. Genuine retailers can offer substantial discounts during major sales. However, an unusually low price on an unfamiliar website should be independently verified before payment.
Can I share my UPI PIN to receive a festive discount or refund?
No. Your UPI PIN should not be shared with another person. CERT-In also states that a UPI PIN is not required to receive money.
What number should I call after an online shopping fraud in India?
For financial cyber fraud, you can report the incident through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in or call the cybercrime helpline at 1930. Acting quickly can be important after an unauthorised transaction.