Festive Shopping: Five Checks to Make Before Accepting an Online Deal

Festive shopping campaigns often feature flash sales, countdown timers, cashback promotions and limited-stock offers. While many promotions are genuine, fraudulent sellers may use similar tactics to pressure customers into making quick payments.

A fake shopping website, misleading payment link or unverified seller can turn an attractive discount into a financial loss.

Moneycontrol published five online payment safety checks on October 30, 2026, highlighting precautions for customers using UPI, credit cards and debit cards.

Five checks before making an online purchase

1. Verify the shopping website

Use the retailer's official app or enter its website address directly into the browser. Check for spelling errors, unusual web addresses and links that imitate well-known brands.

An HTTPS connection or padlock symbol does not, by itself, prove that a website is genuine.

2. Check the seller's credibility

Review customer feedback, contact details, return policies and refund conditions. Avoid sellers who insist on direct bank transfers or payments outside the shopping platform.

3. Verify payment information

For UPI transactions, check the recipient's name and amount before approving payment. A UPI PIN is not required to receive money.

For card payments, verify the transaction amount during authentication and avoid saving card information on unfamiliar websites.

4. Be cautious about unusually large discounts

Compare prices across trusted platforms and check the offer on the brand's official website. Review delivery charges, taxes and other fees before deciding whether the deal is genuinely attractive.

Be careful with offers that demand an advance payment to release cashback, rewards or prizes.

5. Never share OTPs or banking passwords

Never disclose an OTP, UPI PIN or banking password to anyone claiming to represent a bank, merchant or customer-support team.

If a refund or failed-payment message appears suspicious, contact the bank or merchant through its official support channel rather than using a link in the message.

What to do if a payment fraud occurs

Customers who notice an unauthorised transaction should immediately contact their bank and request appropriate action to secure the affected payment facility.

Suspected cyber financial fraud can also be reported through India's National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 or the official portal at cybercrime.gov.in.

Market Perspective

Online festive sales have made it easier for consumers to compare products and access promotional savings. At the same time, the volume of digital transactions makes payment awareness an important part of responsible shopping.

A genuine deal should offer a verifiable product, a credible seller and clear payment and return conditions. Consumers should prioritise transaction security over the pressure to complete a purchase before a countdown timer expires.