A recent trend shows that a large number of Indian consumers actively hunt for discounts during Republic Day sales, end-of-season sales, festive offers, and flash deals.
With rising prices and aggressive online discounts, more Indians than ever are turning to the internet to find the “best deal”.
However, cybersecurity experts are warning shoppers to slow down and stay alert.
Fraudsters are increasingly using fake websites, lookalike domain names, and polished social media ads to trick consumers into shopping on bogus sites — and India is one of the most targeted markets.
With online payments, UPI, saved cards, and one-click checkouts, scams can happen in seconds.
Below are six key online shopping dangers Indian consumers should be aware of — and how to avoid them.
1. Fake Domains Target Fast Shoppers
One of the most common scams in India today is domain spoofing.
Scammers register website addresses that look almost identical to real brands by:
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swapping letters (amaz0n instead of amazon)
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adding hyphens or extra words (brand-sale-india.com)
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using unfamiliar extensions
On mobile screens, these changes are easy to miss.
👉 Tip:
Always read the full website address carefully.
Be extra cautious if the site looks like a known Indian or global brand but the domain name feels slightly “off”.
Fake sites often prefer .com domains because they are easy to register quickly, while Indian country domains like .in often involve additional checks.
2. Sales Season Is Peak Time for Data Theft
After festivals and year-end sales, many Indians:
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use new debit/credit cards
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activate UPI on new phones
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store card details for convenience
This makes sale seasons prime time for scammers.
Fake shopping sites don’t just steal money — they collect:
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card numbers
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UPI details
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addresses
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login credentials
This stolen data is later resold or reused, causing financial trouble that can last months.
👉 Rule of thumb:
If a deal feels “too cheap to be real”, it probably comes with hidden costs.
3. FOMO Is a Scammer’s Favourite Weapon
Fraudsters rely heavily on FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out).
Common red flags include:
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“Only 5 items left!”
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“Offer ends in 10 minutes!”
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70–80% discounts with no explanation
If a product is priced far below what every other Indian retailer is charging, it’s a strong signal that something is wrong.
👉 Pause. Compare. Verify.
Rushed purchases are where scams succeed.
4. Not All Social Media Ads Are Genuine
Many Indian shoppers assume that ads on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube are verified.
Unfortunately, that’s not true.
Scammers now run professionally designed ads, complete with:
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fake reviews
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high ratings
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countdown timers
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influencer-style visuals
👉 Before buying from an ad:
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Google the website name
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check for independent reviews
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search “website name + scam” or “website name + review”
A few minutes of research can save thousands of rupees.
5. Missing Customer Support Is a Major Warning Sign
Legitimate online stores operating in India usually provide:
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a physical address
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customer care number
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clear return and refund policies
Scam websites often show:
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only a generic email address
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copied or vague return policies
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no working phone number
👉 Tip:
If you can’t figure out how to contact the seller before buying, don’t expect help after payment.
6. Scams Hurt Everyone — Not Just Buyers
Online scams don’t just affect individual shoppers.
They also:
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damage trust in genuine Indian online businesses
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hurt MSMEs and startups
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cause losses to honest sellers whose brands are copied
Fake domains and lookalike websites weaken confidence in India’s growing digital economy.
Final Advice for Indian Shoppers
India is moving fast toward a digital-first economy — but speed should never replace caution.
Before clicking “Buy Now”:
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check the domain name
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compare prices across platforms
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verify seller details
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avoid rushing due to discounts
A few extra seconds of attention can protect your money, data, and peace of mind.
Stay alert. Shop smart.