An ad shows a new phone at 80% off for Diwali.
The site looks like a well-known brand, with a countdown clock.
Only three left, it says.
You pay, and the phone never arrives.
Why do fake sites appear at festival time?
Because everyone is shopping and expecting big discounts.
A fake discount looks believable next to real ones.
And the rush makes people skip their usual care.
What should I check first?
The web address, carefully.
Fake sites use names that are close to the real one, with an extra letter, a hyphen or an odd ending.
Type the shop's address yourself, or open its official app, rather than tapping an ad.
Is the price believable?
Real festive deals are good, but rarely 70% to 90% off the latest models.
If it is far below every other shop, it is not a deal.
It is bait.
How do they want to be paid?
Fake shops often refuse cash on delivery.
Or they ask you to pay a UPI ID that belongs to a person, not a business.
Some ask for a "booking amount" to hold the item.
Paying through a known marketplace or a credit card gives you more ways to dispute a problem later.
What does the site itself tell me?
Look for a real address and a working customer care number.
Check whether the social media links lead anywhere real.
Search the site's name with the word "scam" or "review".
A brand-new site with no history is a warning sign at festival time.
What if I already paid?
Call your bank on the number on your card straight away, and ask about stopping or disputing the payment.
Report it on 1930 and at cybercrime.gov.in.
Keep the order confirmation, screenshots and payment details.
Things to Remember
- Type the shop's address yourself instead of tapping ads.
- 80% off the newest phone is bait, not a deal.
- Be wary of sites with no cash on delivery and personal UPI IDs.
- Check reviews and history before paying a new site.
- Paid a fake site? Call your bank and 1930 immediately.