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Black Friday Shopping Risks Are Higher Than Ever
Black Friday is one of the biggest shopping events in India, with millions hunting for discounts online. But cybercriminals are also active, using fake websites, phishing scams, and social media frauds to steal money and personal data.
If you’re shopping this Black Friday, staying alert is non-negotiable. Here are the 5 best ways to avoid scams and shop securely:
1. Shop Only on Trusted Websites (Avoid Fake E-Stores)
Scammers create cloned versions of Amazon, Flipkart, and Myntra with “too-good-to-be-true” deals. These sites steal credit card details upon checkout.
✅ Safety Tips:
✔ Always check for “https://” and a padlock icon in the URL.
✔ Avoid clicking on random ads or links—bookmark official sites instead.
✔ Verify seller ratings and customer reviews before purchasing.
2. Spot & Avoid Phishing Emails & SMS Scams
Fake messages claiming “Your order is delayed” or “Claim your 80% discount now!” are common. These contain malicious links to steal passwords or card details.
✅ Safety Tips:
✔ Hover over links (don’t click) to check the real URL.
✔ Scammers use fake sender IDs like support@amzon.in—always verify the email domain.
✔ Log in directly via the official app/website instead of clicking links.
3. Always Use Secure Payment Methods
Fraudsters trick shoppers into paying via UPI to unknown accounts or Bitcoin—these transactions are irreversible.
✅ Safety Tips:
✔ Use credit cards (chargeback protection) or trusted UPI apps (Google Pay/PhonePe).
✔ Never save card details on new/unverified sites.
✔ Enable 2FA (two-factor authentication) for banking/payment apps.
4. Don’t Fall for Fake Social Media “Exclusive Deals”
Scammers impersonate brands on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp with fake discount codes. Once paid, they vanish.
✅ Safety Tips:
✔ Only shop from verified pages (blue tick).
✔ Never share OTPs or personal details in DMs.
✔ Reverse-image-search product photos to check for stolen listings.
5. Watch Out for Fake Delivery Scams
Messages like “Pay ₹50 to reschedule delivery” (pretending to be FedEx/DHL) are rampant. These steal money or install malware.
✅ Safety Tips:
✔ Track orders only via the courier’s official website/app.
✔ Never share Aadhaar, PAN, or OTPs with unknown callers.
✔ Report fake messages to cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930.
Bonus: Use a VPN on Public Wi-Fi
Public networks (cafés/airports) are hacker hotspots. A VPN encrypts your data, protecting card details from theft.
Final Advice: Stay Cautious & Verify Everything
Black Friday scams evolve yearly. If a deal looks suspicious, it probably is. Stick to trusted sellers, double-check URLs, and never rush into payments.
➡ Victim of fraud? Report immediately at National Cyber Crime Portal or dial 1930.
🔔 Follow @NextMinuteNews for scam alerts & digital safety tips!
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