As Christmas celebrations roll into New Year festivities, online shopping and digital payments see a massive surge across India. While consumers enjoy attractive discounts, flash sales, and doorstep deliveries, this festive rush also marks the peak season for cybercriminals. Fake deals, phishing links, cloned websites, and even AI-driven fraud attempts are increasingly targeting unsuspecting shoppers. A single careless click during the holiday excitement can result in significant financial loss.
Cybersecurity agencies and experts have issued high alerts for the 2025 festive season, warning users to stay extra cautious while shopping online or making digital payments. Understanding how cyber fraud works and learning to identify genuine platforms can go a long way in keeping your money and personal data safe.
Cyber fraud is a form of digital crime where scammers use online platforms to steal money, sensitive information, or personal credentials. Although cybercrime exists throughout the year, it rises sharply during festivals like Christmas and New Year. The reason is simple—people shop more, transact frequently, and often act in a hurry, making them easy targets.
Fraudsters exploit festive enthusiasm by offering unbelievable discounts, fake gift vouchers, lucky draw messages, or urgent delivery notifications. Over the past few years, India has seen a sharp rise in cyber fraud cases during festive seasons, especially linked to online shopping and digital payments.
Cybercriminals use multiple sophisticated tactics to trap victims. One of the most common methods is phishing, where scammers send fake messages or emails posing as banks, courier services, or popular e-commerce platforms. These messages often contain malicious links that lead to cloned websites designed to steal login credentials, card details, or OTPs.
Another growing trend is fake discount sales during New Year offers. Fraudsters create lookalike websites or social media pages offering heavy discounts on branded products. Once payment is made, the product never arrives, and the website disappears. In some cases, users are tricked into downloading fake apps that steal data or provide remote access to devices.
With the rise of artificial intelligence, scammers are now using AI-generated messages, voices, and even customer support chats that look extremely convincing, making it harder for users to detect fraud.
Staying safe starts with identifying genuine platforms. Always check the website URL carefully—official websites usually start with “https://” and have a secure lock symbol. Fake websites often use misspelled domain names or extra characters that closely resemble popular brands.
Avoid clicking on links received through unknown messages, emails, or social media ads. Instead, manually type the official website address or use the brand’s verified app from trusted app stores. Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true—extreme discounts are often a red flag.
Protecting yourself from cyber fraud does not require technical expertise, just basic awareness. Always shop through official apps or verified websites. Never share OTPs, PINs, or card details with anyone, as banks and payment platforms never ask for such information over calls or messages.
Enable two-factor authentication on banking and payment apps, and use strong, unique passwords for different platforms. Avoid rushing through transactions, no matter how attractive the offer looks. Installing a reliable antivirus or security app on your phone can also add an extra layer of protection.
Regularly monitor your bank statements and transaction alerts to quickly identify any unauthorized activity.
If you suspect fraud or unauthorized transactions, act immediately. Contact your bank or card issuer to block your account or card and report the transaction. The faster you respond, the higher the chances of recovering your money.
You should also file a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) or call the cybercrime helpline number 1930 for immediate assistance. Registering an FIR at the nearest police station further strengthens your case and helps authorities investigate the matter.
The New Year sale season brings joy, savings, and convenience—but it also demands caution. Cybercriminals thrive on festive excitement and haste. By staying alert, verifying websites, avoiding suspicious links, and acting promptly in case of fraud, shoppers can enjoy festive deals without risking their hard-earned money. A little awareness can make the difference between a happy New Year and a costly mistake.
