As the festive season approaches, the excitement of online shopping and finding the perfect gifts for loved ones is palpable. However, with the rush of holiday sales and discounts, cybercriminals are also gearing up to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers. During this time, phishing attacks, fraudulent offers, and impersonation scams rise dramatically. The stories of individuals like Anushka, Payal, and Punit highlight the dangers of cyber fraud, especially during the festive season.
Take Anushka, a 29-year-old woman from Delhi, for example. One day, she received a call from someone claiming to be from Nykaa, the popular beauty and wellness e-commerce platform. The voice on the other end promised her an incredible deal—an exclusive festive offer that would give her a refrigerator, air conditioner, TV, and even an iPhone, but only if she paid ₹5,000 to “unlock” the gift. The customer service executive sounded convincing and insisted that she open the Nykaa app to process the payment. Anushka, initially intrigued, quickly grew skeptical. Something about the offer didn’t sit right. After all, why would Nykaa give away such expensive gifts for a small fee? She refused to proceed with the payment. The caller, however, didn’t give up. He insisted that she take her time and think about it, calling her multiple times to convince her. After a third call, Anushka, feeling increasingly uncomfortable, threatened to report the incident to the cyber cell. The calls stopped, but it left her shaken.
Then there’s Payal Choudhary, a 35-year-old woman who had her credit card compromised by hackers. One morning, she discovered several charges on her account—purchases made in the USA for pizzas and burgers. Payal was certain she hadn’t made those purchases, but somehow, someone had stolen her card information. The fraudsters had gained access to her credit card details, likely through a phishing scam or unsecured website. Despite her quick action in reporting the fraud, it was a wake-up call that the festive season isn’t just about holiday cheer but also a time for increased cyber threats.
Similarly, Punit Ahuja, a resident of Delhi, found himself caught in a social engineering scam. He received a phone call from someone who claimed to be a close family friend, someone who knew him and his family very well. The caller said that his father urgently needed money, and that Punit needed to transfer a certain amount immediately. Trusting the voice on the other end, Punit transferred the money. Later, when he tried to contact his father, he realized it was all a scam. The caller had been impersonating a trusted acquaintance, using information about his family to manipulate him into making the transfer.
These incidents are just a few examples of how cybercriminals target consumers during the festive period. According to cybersecurity experts, phishing attempts have seen a 40% increase during the holiday shopping season. E-commerce fraud has also risen by 30%, as consumers are more likely to click on links from unfamiliar sources, especially when they are lured by fake offers or “too-good-to-be-true” deals. The combination of increased online activity and consumer spending makes the festive season a prime time for fraudsters.
So, how can you protect yourself from these scams? First, be cautious of unsolicited offers, especially those that sound too good to be true. If you receive an unexpected call or message about a deal, verify it by contacting the company directly using official contact details. Avoid clicking on suspicious links, and make sure you’re shopping on trusted websites with secure payment systems. Additionally, use strong, unique passwords for your accounts, and consider enabling two-factor authentication for added security. If you suspect any fraudulent activity, report it immediately to your bank or credit card provider and monitor your statements regularly.
Stay Informed About Security Updates
Ensure your devices have the latest software updates and security patches. “Regular updates can help protect against vulnerabilities,” says Tewari. Peter Theobald, Advisor – Cybersecurity at Noventiq India, emphasizes the importance of vigilance during this time: “During the festival season, cybersecurity becomes crucial as increased transaction values heighten risks. Cybercriminals exploit festive shopping and event promotions, targeting personal data and financial information, hence you need to be more aware of phishing scams on email and phone. Do not fall for calls or robocalls impersonating the telecom department, courier companies, police, etc., and beware of offers that are too good to be true – they usually are fake.”
AI-powered scanning systems
Mohan Subrahmanya, Country Leader – India, underscores that “cybercriminals frequently take advantage of the festive rush, so it is crucial for businesses to be vigilant in safeguarding their data and infrastructure by having a robust security strategy.” He suggests that organizations should implement AI-powered systems to continuously scan for vulnerabilities and enhance threat intelligence.
Quick Heal Technologies Ltd. has invested in R&D to tackle cybersecurity challenges. They recently uncovered a fake antivirus app, “AntiVirus – Virus Cleaner,” on the Google Play Store, misleading over 1 crore users. CEO Vishal Salvi warns that such apps create a false sense of security, especially during the festive season.
The festive season should be a time for celebration, not stress. By staying vigilant, educating yourself and your family about the risks of cyber fraud, and taking simple precautions, you can enjoy a safe and secure holiday season without falling victim to online scams. Stay informed, stay safe, and happy holidays!
