Chennai, Nov 13:
Festivals are a time of celebration, gifting, and increased shopping activity. Both online and offline channels offer attractive discounts, limited-time sales, and cashback promotions that encourage quick purchasing decisions. In this festive rush, many individuals may act impulsively to secure a âtoo good to be trueâ deal. Scamsters are aware of these behavioral patterns and often exploit them through social engineering. As scams evolve with technology, awareness and a few mindful steps suggested by NPCI can help users enjoy a safe and seamless experience.
Shop Only on Official Apps and Websites: Fraudsters create lookalike websites and links, especially during sale season, to steal personal and payment details. Always type the web address yourself or use the official app. Do not click on links or download files from unknown sources, including those claiming to contain festive offers or greeting cards, as they may lead to fraudulent sites or contain harmful software that could compromise your device.
Complete Payments only Within the Platform: Some scams push users to pay on external UPI IDs or links outside the shopping app or site, skipping safety checks. Always complete transactions on the
official checkout page and confirm the sellerâs details.
Be Careful with Free Vouchers and Cashback promises: Messages offering rewards, cashback or festival gifts may ask for OTPs, account details or small âfeesâ. Genuine offers donât need sensitive information or upfront payments. Do not share sensitive information or pay a fee based on an unsolicited message. Check the offer directly on the official app or website instead.
Treat Unexpected OTP Requests as Warning: Some messages claim that a payment has failed, or an account is blocked, and then request OTPs to âfixâ the problem. OTPs are meant only to confirm a transaction initiated by users. Banks or payment apps never ask for them over calls or messages. Do not share an OTP with someone who contacts you, even if they claim to be from your bank or a payment app.
Donât Act Under Pressure: Scammers create urgency by saying an offer will expire soon, or your account will be blocked if you donât act. Genuine platforms donât use fear or rush tactics. Take a moment to check before responding. Pause and verify such claims through the official app, website or customer support channel before responding.
To ensure a secure transaction experience, users should adopt the ‘Stop, Think, Act’ principle. By stopping at the point of unexpected requests, thinking and verifying the information, and acting wisely, users can effectively safeguard transactions and protect sensitive information, ensuring a secure experience. Stop when a request is unexpected, think before sharing information or making a payment,
and act only after verifying the source.