By Ashwani Mishra, Editor-Technology, 63SATS
Rohit, a college student, spotted a discounted smartwatch ad on a social media platform. Tempted by the offer, he paid in advance but received a fake, non-functional product instead. When he tried reaching out, the seller’s account had disappeared.
Neha ordered an exclusive holiday-themed gift box advertised on a popular e-commerce website. Despite making full payment, she received an empty box after weeks of waiting. The customer service contact provided turned out to be fake, leaving her with no resolution.
Ankit, an avid traveller, booked a “luxury resort stay” through a deal shared on a travel group chat. Upon arrival, he discovered the property didn’t exist, and the payment link he had used led to a scammer’s account.
These scams share a common tactic: exploiting trust and urgency, often avoiding official communication or leaving no traceable recourse for victims.
Fake Delivery Notifications:
Phishing and smishing attacks spike during the holidays. Scammers send fraudulent delivery messages, luring victims to click on malicious links that steal their data. With many expecting packages, these scams prey on the tendency to act impulsively.
Travel Scams:
Fake vacation rentals and fraudulent travel bookings are becoming common. Airbnb, in partnership with the International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators (IAFCI), found that Gen Z and Millennials are most vulnerable, with average losses reaching ₹1,02,233.
Why Holiday Scams Work
High Volume of Online Transactions:
The holiday season sees a surge in online shopping, providing scammers with a vast pool of potential victims.
Sophisticated Tactics: Criminals tailor scams to the season, making them harder to detect. For instance, phishing scams are often disguised as holiday sales or fake charity drives.
Impulse Buying: The urgency of limited-time offers or exclusive discounts often leads to hasty decisions, bypassing the usual caution.
Best Practices to Stay Safe from Holiday Scams
Verify Before You Buy:
Research the seller before making a purchase, especially on social media platforms.
Look for reviews, ratings, and verified business accounts.
Avoid Clicking on Unknown Links:
Be wary of unsolicited messages or emails, even if they appear to be from trusted companies.
Instead of clicking on links, visit the company’s official website directly.
Use Secure Payment Methods:
Avoid paying in advance unless it’s a trusted and verified seller.
Use credit cards or secure payment platforms that offer fraud protection.
Double-Check Delivery Notifications:
Verify delivery messages with the official courier or retailer.
Avoid sharing personal or financial information through links in such messages.
Beware of Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers:
Unrealistic discounts or exclusive deals are often bait for scams.
If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
Add an extra layer of security to your online accounts to prevent unauthorized access.
Educate Yourself and Others:
Stay informed about common scams through awareness campaigns.
Share tips with friends and family to ensure everyone stays vigilant.
Report Suspicious Activities:
Report scams to the platform or relevant authorities.
Help prevent others from falling victim to similar frauds.
