Diwali shopping: Flipkart shares 8 not-to-miss online safety tips

Diwali is not only the festival of lights but it is also the time when people spend a lot of money on shopping. As millions gear up for festive deals this Diwali, e-commerce major Flipkart has shared a timely advisory to help the online shoppers stay safe from online scams. With cyber fraudsters ramping up tactics like fake websites, phishing calls, and malicious apps, the e-commerce giant has released eight essential safety tips to protect users during the high-traffic shopping season. “Cyber scams thrive on urgency, confusion, and misplaced trust,” Flipkart said in its press release. “Staying informed is your best defense.”

Flipkart shares 8 safety tips for secure online shopping

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• li1Beware of scam calls and social engineering: If someone calls claiming to be from Flipkart and asks you to install an app or share sensitive information (OTP, PIN, CVV), hang up. Flipkart never asks for such details.
• li1Don’t fall for too-good-to-be-true offers: Fraudsters lure users with unrealistic discounts, like smartphones for Rs 2,499. Always verify deals on the official app before clicking on links in messages, emails, or social media.
• li1Watch out for malicious links — across SMS, email & pop-ups: Links sent via messages or emails that promise prizes or urgent account updates may install spyware or redirect to phishing pages. Avoid clicking on unknown links and delete suspicious messages immediately.
• li1Trust only verified platforms: Stick to official channels, the mobile app, and verified social handles. Fake websites and apps often mimic branding; always double-check URLs and developer names.
• li1Check for signs of a fake app or website: Look out for odd spellings, smudged logos.” On websites, broken carts, inactive menus, and missing security certificates (no lock icon in the address bar) are red flags.
• li1Strengthen and protect your account: Use a strong, unique password with numbers, symbols, and uppercase letters. Change it regularly and never share it with anyone. If needed, reset using OTP via the official app.
• li1Keep an eye on your device’s health: Unfamiliar apps, sudden performance drops, or unauthorized activities are signs of compromise. Delete suspicious apps, clear browser cache and downloads, and run an antivirus scan. Reboot in safe mode or do a factory reset if needed.
• li1Report suspicious activity immediately: Whether it’s a fake SMS, call, or app, report it to the Flipkart Help Center. Your alert could help protect thousands of others.

Flipkart’s advisory comes as festive shopping surges across India, with users increasingly relying on mobile apps and digital payments. The company urges shoppers to remain vigilant not just during Diwali, but every time they browse or buy online.