The festive season is one of the busiest times for online shopping in India. From smartphones and laptops to smartwatches and accessories, e-commerce platforms and sellers roll out massive discounts to attract buyers. However, this period also sees a sharp rise in online frauds, fake websites, counterfeit products, and payment scams. To help you shop safely and confidently, here are 10 safety tips to follow when buying gadgets online during the festive season:

Buy Only From Trusted Platforms
Stick to well-known e-commerce sites or official brand stores. Avoid deals that appear only on little-known websites or social media ads without a credible reputation.

Check Seller Ratings and Reviews
If buying from a marketplace, verify the seller’s ratings, reviews, and credibility. Genuine sellers usually have consistent positive feedback.

Beware of Unrealistic Discounts
If the deal looks “too good to be true,” it probably is. Fraudsters often lure buyers with massive discounts on premium gadgets to trick them into paying upfront.

Verify Website URLs
Scammers often create fake websites with URLs that resemble genuine ones. Always double-check the domain name before entering personal or payment details.

Use Secure Payment Methods
Avoid direct bank transfers or wallets you’re unfamiliar with. Use secure payment gateways, credit/debit cards, or UPI linked to trusted apps that offer fraud protection.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication
For added safety, use two-factor authentication (OTP or app verification) when making transactions online. This reduces the risk of unauthorized use of your payment details.

Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Transactions
Do not shop or enter payment details over public Wi-Fi networks. Always use a secure, private internet connection.

Check Return and Warranty Policies
Before buying, read the return, refund, and warranty terms carefully. Fake sellers often skip or hide these details.

Be Cautious of Phishing Messages
Festive sales are often exploited through fake SMS, emails, or WhatsApp links. Do not click suspicious links promising exclusive offers. Access deals only from official apps or websites.

Track Orders and Report Suspicious Activity
Always track your orders through the platform. If anything looks unusual, such as payment confirmation without an order ID, report it immediately to the platform’s customer support.