During the festive season, markets and online platforms offer discounts and numerous deals. Heavy discounts are claimed on everything from mobiles, electronics, clothes, to jewelry. In such a situation, most people consider online shopping to be an easy and affordable option. However, this is also the time to be most vigilant, because in the name of online sales, fake websites, fraudulent sellers, and scams also occur. A small carelessness can cause you loss in both money and goods. Therefore, it is important to gather correct information before making a purchase and to take every step thoughtfully. Therefore, today in ‘Cyber Literacy’ we will learn that- Expert: Rahul Mishra, Cyber Security Advisor, Uttar Pradesh Police Question- What is the biggest risk when shopping online during Diwali sale? Answer- The biggest risk when shopping online during Diwali sale comes from fake websites, bogus discounts, and fraudulent transactions. Let’s understand this through a graphic. Question- What is an easy way to identify fake websites or apps? Answer- There are many ways to identify fake websites. For this, you just need to exercise a little caution. Let’s understand this through a graphic. Question- How to differentiate between real and fake offers? Answer- Fake offers are often exaggerated to attract you. Once you fall for the temptation, you can get caught in a trap. Let’s understand these offers. Question- What are the ways to check the credibility of a website and seller before shopping? Answer- Before shopping on any online platform, it is important to know how trustworthy the website or seller is. The easiest way to do this is to read reviews from previous customers. If a product consistently has poor ratings or complaints about delivery issues, it should be avoided. Additionally, the trustworthiness can also be gauged by looking at the website’s domain name.
On large platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, etc., genuine sellers are usually present, but special caution should be exercised on smaller or new platforms. Question- What special precautions should be taken while making payments? Answer- During the festive season, it is important to keep a few things in mind while making online payments. This can help you avoid becoming a victim of scams or fraud. Let’s understand this through a graphic. Question- Which option should be considered safer: online payment or cash on delivery? Answer- Online payment is easy and fast, but it carries the risk of fraud. If the website or seller is trustworthy and the payment gateway is secure, then online payment does not pose a problem. However, if you are shopping from a new platform for the first time, choosing cash on delivery is safer. This way, payment is made only after the product is received, and the risk of fraud is reduced. Question- Why are reviews and ratings important before buying a product? Answer- When shopping online, you cannot directly touch or see the product. In such a situation, revithems and ratings prove to be the real helpers. If a product has good reviews from thousands of people, its trustworthiness increases. On the other hand, if complaints of poor quality, wrong size, or delayed delivery appear repeatedly, it is better to avoid it. Genuine reviews are often written in detail, while fake reviews are short and similar. Therefore, before buying, be sure to read at least 10–15 reviews. Question- What should be done immediately if a fake or wrong product is delivered? Answer- In such cases, it is important to take immediate action instead of panicking. First, prepare proof of the product’s photo and packaging.
Then immediately contact customer care and register a complaint with the order number. Most reliable platforms offer return pickup and refund facilities. Question – Why is it important to read the, return and refund policy during Diwali sale? Answer – Many times people buy immediately after seeing a discount, but later, when the product is not liked or turns out to be defective, the problem increases. The reason for this is that they did not read the return and refund policy beforehand. Every website has a different policy. Some offer returns within 7 days, while others offer it within 30 days. For some products, such as electronics or festive offer items, a no-return policy may also apply.
Therefore, before making a purchase, be sure to read what the rule is for returning the product if it turns out to be defective or incorrect.
The post Cyber Literacy – Fraud in the name of Diwali Sale:Don’t make these mistakes while shopping online — here’s how to identify real and fake websites appeared first on Tri-Cities India.
