Don’t fall prey to scammer tricks while shopping for Dhanteras and Diwali: NPCI shares 5 tips to stay away from festive season scams

In this festive frenzy, many people may make impulsive decisions to grab a ‘too-good-to-be-true’ deal. Scammers are aware of these behaviour patterns and often exploit them using social engineering.

As technology evolves, so do scams. But with awareness and some mindful steps, users can have a safe and seamless experience while shopping for Dhanteras or Diwali. The NPCI has issued these 5 safety tips to consider to stay away from scammers.

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. Never click on links or download files from unknown sources.

Some scams push users to pay on external UPI IDs or links outside the shopping app or site, skipping safety checks.
Be careful with free vouchers and cashback promises
Messages offering rewards, cashback or festival gifts may ask for one-time passwords (OTPs), bank account details or small ‘fees’. Check the offer directly on the official app or the website instead.

Some messages claim that a payment has failed, or an account is blocked, and then request OTPs to ‘fix’ 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.

Scammers create urgency by saying an offer will expire soon, or your account will be blocked if you don’t act. Genuine platforms don’t use fear or rush tactics.