The festive season is all about joy, shopping, and amazing deals. But alongside these cheerful vibes comes a shadowy side—cyber scams. Cybercriminals are especially active during this time, creating fake offers and phishing scams to trick shoppers. A survey by McAfee, a global security software firm, reveals that online scams in India spike during the festive season. Scammers use advanced tricks like deepfake content, fake discounts, and phishing emails to trap deal-seeking shoppers.
But don’t worry—by staying alert and following simple tips, you can shop safely and enjoy the festive season stress-free.
Key Highlights from McAfee’s Festive Shopping Survey 2024
| Important Point | Details |
|---|---|
| 95% of shoppers hunt for deals | Inflation is driving most shoppers to seek discounts online. |
| 90% shop earlier for deals | Many people plan to start shopping early to grab the best offers. |
| 41% act quickly on good deals | Shoppers are more likely to buy instantly when they spot a tempting offer. |
| Scam tactics | Fake delivery notifications and security alerts from e-commerce platforms are on the rise. |
Why Are Cyber Scams Rising During Festive Seasons?
The festive season sees a massive increase in online activity as people rush to buy gifts and essentials. Scammers take advantage of this by sending fake emails, messages, and creating bogus websites. These scams can steal your money or personal information.
To stay safe, McAfee recommends these practical tips:
1. Avoid Fake Deals and Discounts
If you see a 99% discount on a branded item or a deal that sounds “too good to be true,” it’s probably a trap. Scammers often create fake websites that look like big platforms like Amazon or Flipkart. Always verify the website URL and avoid clicking on links from unknown sources.
2. Use Technology to Fight Scams
In today’s AI-powered world, scammers use AI tools to create fake content. Use tools like McAfee’s Text Scam Detector to identify whether a message or link is trustworthy. When watching deepfake videos or seeing suspicious content, look closely at details like mismatched lips, strange hand movements, or odd backgrounds.
3. Be Careful with Security Alerts
Scammers often send fake security alerts pretending to be from popular e-commerce sites. These messages may warn you about account issues or missed deliveries. Avoid clicking on such links and always log in directly through the official app or website to verify.
4. Shop on Trusted Websites
Stick to websites you know and trust. Check if the website has “https” in the URL and a padlock icon—these indicate secure connections.
5. Use Strong Passwords and 2FA
Protect your accounts with strong, unique passwords. Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for extra security.
Shopping online can be super convenient, but safety should always come first. By being careful and using these tips, you can avoid falling into the traps of cybercriminals and enjoy your festive shopping stress-free.
For more, you can check McAfee’s official website.