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As the festive and wedding season lights up the country, online shopping platforms are witnessing a massive surge in traffic. From festive deals to wedding outfits and gadgets, millions of people are turning to e-commerce for convenience and discounts. However, behind this digital celebration lurks a growing menace — fake shopping websites that are scamming unsuspecting buyers out of thousands of rupees.

Cybercriminals are taking advantage of the season’s shopping rush by creating fraudulent websites that look identical to trusted brands. These scams are so sophisticated that even experienced shoppers struggle to tell the difference between genuine and fake sites. Tempting offers such as “Flat 80% Off” or “Buy One, Get Free Gift” lure customers into their trap, leading to huge financial losses across India.

How Scammers Operate: The Anatomy of a Fake Shopping Site

Cyber experts warn that fake e-commerce websites are designed to mimic real brands like Nike, Mi, or Adidas. Fraudsters clone the logos, product pages, and even customer review sections to make the sites appear authentic. Once shoppers place an order and make an online payment, the website either disappears within days or sends cheap, counterfeit, or second-hand items.

In many cases, the scam sites are completely new domains that have no connection to any legitimate brand. They rely on aggressive social media advertising or WhatsApp promotions, offering “unbelievable discounts” to push people into instant purchases. Victims often realize they’ve been duped only after their money is gone and no order confirmation or refund is received.

The “Free Gift” Trap: A Costly Illusion

Another rising scam involves the so-called “Free Gift Offer.” Shoppers are told that buying products worth a certain amount will qualify them for a luxury gift — such as a smartphone, smartwatch, or designer handbag. Once the customer completes the purchase, the scammer contacts them claiming that they must pay a “refundable charge” to receive the gift.

These extra charges are disguised as shipping fees, GST, or handling costs, typically ranging from a few hundred to several thousand rupees. Once the payment is made, the fraudster vanishes — leaving the buyer without a gift or a refund. Cybercrime units report that hundreds of such cases are being registered daily, particularly during major sales and festive events.

Why Festive Seasons Are Prime Time for Cybercrime

Festive and wedding seasons are the most profitable times for scammers. People are in a rush to grab the best deals, often overlooking small details like website URLs, payment gateways, or company information. Scammers exploit this excitement by offering limited-time offers and fake countdowns to create urgency.

In addition, cybercriminals take advantage of social media advertising algorithms, targeting users with sponsored ads that look completely legitimate. Because these ads appear on trusted platforms like Facebook or Instagram, people assume they’re safe — but that’s often not the case.

How to Stay Safe While Shopping Online

To ensure a safe and secure shopping experience this festive season, follow these important guidelines:

• Be cautious of unbelievable offers: If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.

• Check the website’s authenticity: Look for “https://” in the URL and read customer reviews before making any purchase.

• Avoid new or unknown websites: If a platform is new, prefer Cash on Delivery (COD) instead of online payment.

• Use trusted payment gateways: Always enter your card details only on secure and verified payment pages.

• Watch for spelling or grammar errors: Fake sites often have poorly written text or inconsistent branding.

• Don’t fall for ‘free gift’ claims: Legitimate brands rarely ask for extra payments after a purchase.

The Bottom Line

Festive shopping should bring joy — not regret. As online frauds continue to evolve, vigilance is your best protection. Before clicking on that irresistible offer or sharing your payment details, take a moment to verify the source. Cyber experts emphasize that awareness and caution can save you from becoming the next victim of fake shopping website scams.

In this digital age, where convenience meets cunning, shopping smart is the only way to keep your celebrations truly happy and secure.