Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, May 28: Amid a sharp rise in cyber fraud linked to online shopping, the cyber wing of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs’ Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has issued a nationwide advisory warning consumers against fake websites, fraudulent advertisements and bogus payment links.

Officials said the rapid growth of e-commerce platforms and the attraction of heavy discounts have created fresh opportunities for cybercriminals to target unsuspecting buyers through sophisticated online scams.

According to sources, fraudsters are increasingly using fake websites, misleading social media advertisements, bogus delivery agents, refund scams and screen-sharing applications to gain access to consumers’ bank accounts and financial information.

“Cyber fraudsters are no longer confined to making deceptive phone calls. They are now taking control of people’s bank accounts through fake websites, misleading social media advertisements, bogus delivery agents, refund scams and screen-sharing applications,” a source said.

Authorities stated that cybercriminals are designing fake websites that closely resemble genuine e-commerce platforms. These sites often advertise costly electronic gadgets and branded products at extremely low prices to lure customers.

Officials said that in many cases, buyers either never receive the ordered products or are delivered empty boxes. Some fraudulent websites reportedly disappear within days after collecting payments.

The advisory also highlighted the growing misuse of social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, where fake advertisements promoting “90% Discount”, “Stock Clearance Sale” and “Government Auction” are being used to attract users.

Officials warned that clicking on such advertisements often redirects consumers to fraudulent portals designed to steal banking and payment details.

The Ministry has advised consumers to purchase products only through authorised or reputed e-commerce platforms and preferably through official brand websites.

Buyers have also been asked to carefully verify website URLs, ensure the presence of “HTTPS” and the padlock symbol in the browser address bar, and avoid websites with spelling mistakes or suspicious domain names.

The advisory further recommended recording videos while unboxing delivered products, as such videos could serve as evidence in case of disputes regarding missing or damaged items.

People have also been cautioned against downloading screen-sharing applications such as AnyDesk or TeamViewer at the request of unknown persons, as such applications can provide fraudsters remote access to devices and banking information.