Nagpur: As e-commerce platforms prepare for a series of festive sales, Nagpur Cyber Police have warned online shoppers to remain alert against fraudsters using fake websites, phishing links, bogus discounts and fraudulent customer-care services to steal money and sensitive financial information.

Cybercriminals often exploit the rush surrounding festive sales by creating fake offers that closely resemble those of genuine shopping platforms. Police said unusually high discounts and limited-period deals are commonly used to create a sense of urgency and lure unsuspecting customers.

One major modus operandi involves creating counterfeit shopping websites that mimic popular e-commerce platforms. Shoppers are attracted through steep discounts and are then prompted to enter card details, banking credentials or other personal information while making payments.

Police have also cautioned citizens against clicking links received through unsolicited SMSes, emails or WhatsApp messages. Such links can redirect users to fraudulent websites or payment pages designed to steal login credentials, card information and other sensitive data.

UPI-related fraud is another major concern during the festive season. Scammers may pose as customer-care executives or sellers and claim that a refund, payment verification or transaction completion is required. Police stressed that users should never enter their UPI PIN to receive money, as the PIN is required to authorise payments.

Fraudsters may also impersonate representatives of e-commerce companies, banks or courier services and ask customers to share OTPs, card details or provide remote access to their phones.

Cyber Police have advised shoppers to access e-commerce platforms only through their official apps or websites and carefully verify web addresses before making payments. Citizens should avoid offers that appear too good to be true and should never share OTPs, passwords, card details or UPI PINs with anyone.

Police have further urged shoppers not to panic or act hastily when confronted with messages claiming that an offer, refund or payment is urgently pending. Any suspicious communication should first be verified through the company’s official customer-support channels.

With major festive sales expected to begin soon, Cyber Police have urged citizens to remain vigilant and verify every online transaction to avoid falling victim to cyber fraud.