Hyderabad, July 13 (IANS) The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) has advised citizens to remain vigilant against cybercriminals exploiting flash sales, season discounts, clearance sales, and exclusive online offers to defraud unsuspecting shoppers.

TGCSB Director Shikha Goel said on Monday that fraudsters create fake websites, impersonate popular e-commerce brands, circulate misleading advertisements on social media, and send fraudulent links through WhatsApp, SMS, and email, offering products at unrealistically low prices.

She said the fraudsters have common modus operandi. These include fake advertisements offering heavy discounts on branded products, fake websites resembling genuine e-commerce platforms, social media pages promoting “Limited Time Sale” or “Stock Clearance” offers, fraudulent links shared through WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS, or email.

The fraudsters also send requests for advance payment through UPI, QR codes, or direct bank transfers. They also use fake customer care numbers that collect payment or banking details.

According to the TGCSB director, red flags include prices that seem too good to be true, unverified websites or newly created domains, requests for payment outside the official shopping platform, no customer reviews or seller ratings, urgent messages such as “Only a few items left” or “Offer expires in 10 minutes and sellers insisting on advance payment without secure checkout.

Shikha Goel suggested that citizens take safety measures. The citizens have been advised to shop only through trusted and official e-commerce platforms, verify the website URL before making any purchase, avoid clicking on shopping links received through unsolicited messages, check seller ratings, reviews, and return policies.

She also advised people to never make payments directly to personal bank accounts or unknown UPI IDs and to use secure payment methods offered by the platform.

“If you become a victim, immediately contact your bank and report the fraudulent transaction. Preserve screenshots, payment receipts, order details, and conversations. Report the incident through the National Cybercrime Helpline – 1930. Lodge a complaint at www.cybercrime.gov.in without delay,” the TGCSB director said.

“Cybercriminals exploit attractive discounts and limited-time offers to lure victims. If an offer appears too good to be true, verify before you buy. Think before you click. Verify before you pay,” she added.

–IANS

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