As the festive season approaches and shoppers flock to obtain the best deals, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has published vital guidelines to help customers avoid becoming victims of digital payment fraud. Scammers are looking for any way to take advantage of the increased shopping activity. The NPCI’s advice aims to prevent clients from financial loss and emotional distress by raising awareness of common risks and safe methods.
The NPCI advises shoppers to be mindful of the following points:
Be aware of showy offers! Attractive discounts and bargains might prompt hasty purchases, often without first verifying the platform’s legitimacy. The NPCI recommends consumers to perform thorough investigation before dealing with unfamiliar merchants or dubious businesses.
Share only relevant information: When signing up for offers, avoid providing too many personal details. Providing superfluous information raises the danger of data theft. Stick to the essentials.
Avoid using unprotected networks: Hackers primarily target open Wi-Fi networks, such as those found in shopping malls. The NPCI warns shoppers against conducting financial transactions over unprotected networks, as this can disclose critical financial information.
Stay careful against phishing scams: With an increase in orders throughout the holiday season, it’s easy to lose track of transactions. Scammers frequently use this to send bogus delivery notifications or payment links. The NPCI suggests that each payment link be double-checked before clicking to guarantee its validity.
Use strong passwords: Many users still use simple or default passwords, leaving them vulnerable to hackers. To strengthen security, NPCI recommends that each account use a strong, unique password.
The NPCI’s proposal is a timely reminder to customers to be vigilant over the holiday season to guarantee a safe and enjoyable shopping experience. By implementing these protections, consumers can defend themselves from the growing threat of digital fraud.