According to the report of Indian Express, during festivals like Diwali and Dhanteras, people click on the link in a hurry to get limited time offers but forget to check its authenticity. Many fake websites look like the real thing and lure customers by offering flashy logos, fake reviews and “very cheap” prices.

As shopping increases during festivals, scammers also become more active. They trap customers by using the names of companies like Amazon through email, call or SMS. In most of the cases, they make people click on the link by giving threat of ‘order cancellation’ or ‘account suspension’.”

Last year, Amazon blocked more than 55,000 phishing websites and 12,000 scam numbers. Scammers create websites that are exact copies of genuine brands like Amazon or Flipkart. They encourage people to make payments by showing huge discounts and ‘last minute offers’. After payment either a fake product is sent or nothing.

The most dangerous thing about fake sites is that their detailing is the same logo, same fonts and even the same design which makes it difficult to differentiate between real and fake websites. Website URL is strange or misspelled (e.g. amaz0n-sale.com)

No ‘https://’ or lock symbol in the address bar, login or payment links sent via WhatsApp or SMS, offers too cheap to believe, poor grammar, fake reviews or no contact details, only online payment options, no “cash on delivery”, “account suspended” or “verification required” messages Come, OTP, password or card details will be asked (Amazon never asks).

If you have made the payment by mistake, immediately call your bank or UPI app and get the card blocked. Keep website screenshots and payment details safe. File a report on cybercrime.gov.in. Contact financial fraud helpline 1930. Warn others so that others do not get trapped.