Diwali is just around the corner — the festival of lights, sweets, and, of course, irresistible shopping deals! From sparkling diyas to glittering clothes and mouth-watering festive treats, the excitement is everywhere. But along with the joy comes a warning you can’t ignore: Diwali sale scams are on the rise.
Scammers are getting smarter every year. They create fake websites, post clickbait ads, and even use AI to craft celebrity endorsements that look surprisingly real.
One wrong click, and you could lose money, personal information, or more.
The good news?
With a little awareness, you can enjoy the festive frenzy safely. In this guide, we’ll show you how to spot Diwali sale scams, avoid getting tricked, and shop smartly without falling prey to fraud.
What Are Diwali Sale Scams?
A Diwali sale scam is basically a sneaky trick aimed at shoppers during the festive season.
It usually comes dressed up as “unbelievable discounts,” gifts, or exciting rewards that are just too good to resist.
The catch? It’s all fake, and falling for it can cost you money, personal information, or both.
Here are some of the most common types:
- Fake websites & phishing links: Scammers create sites that look just like popular e-commerce platforms. You enter your details or payment info, and suddenly, your money is gone.
- Clickbait ads & malicious links on social media: Ads promising “unbelievable” deals on WhatsApp, Instagram, or YouTube often lead to malware or data theft.
- Deepfake celebrity endorsements: Some scammers use AI to make it look like celebrities are promoting products; so tempting, but completely fake.
- Scratch card & reward scams: Virtual “scratch cards” that claim prizes often steal personal information instead.
- Fake hotel & travel bookings: Booking trips online can be risky if the site doesn’t exist; many festival travelers fall for this.
- Digital arrest & threat scams: Scammers call or message, claiming you’re in trouble unless you pay immediately; a terrifying tactic that works because of panic.
Knowing the types of scams is the first step to avoiding them.
How to Spot a Fake Diwali Sale Offer?
Not every flashy deal online is what it seems. Scammers are getting smarter every year, so spotting a Diwali sale scam requires a keen eye. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Too-good-to-be-true discounts: If a deal promises 90% off a premium product, pause and think. Scammers use irresistible offers to lure you in.
- Requests for personal info or message forwarding: Genuine sales never ask you to share your banking details or forward messages to claim a deal.
- Suspicious websites or apps: Check the URL carefully. Official e-commerce sites start with HTTPS and look professional. Strange layouts, typos, or broken links are major red flags.
- Urgency and pressure tactics: Scammers often create fake countdowns or say, “Limited stock! Buy now!” Don’t rush! take a moment to verify the offer.
- Unusual payment requests: Be wary of sellers asking for UPI transfers, gift cards, or other unconventional payment methods. Legitimate platforms use trusted gateways.
By keeping these warning signs in mind, you can easily spot a Diwali sale scam before it costs you time, money, or personal information.
Real Cases: Diwali Sale Scams
Seeing is believing, and real-life examples show just how convincing Diwali sale scams can be. Here are some incidents that highlight the risks:
Kolkata Clickbait Scam:
During the festive season, several shoppers clicked on ads promising massive Diwali discounts on popular products. Instead of deals, their devices were infected with malware, compromising personal data.
Digital Arrest Scam in West Bengal
A retired government officer received threatening messages claiming legal action unless immediate payment was made. Panicked, he ended up losing ₹1 crore. This shows how scammers exploit fear to make victims act impulsively.
Fake E-commerce Sites Across India
Many buyers thought they were shopping from well-known platforms, but the websites were fake. Products never arrived, and payments vanished into the scammers’ pockets.
These cases prove that Diwali sale scams aren’t just online warnings; they can happen to anyone, anywhere.
The key takeaway? Always verify before you click or pay.
How to Report Diwali Scams?
If you’ve encountered a scam or worse, a fallen victim, reporting it is critical. Here’s what you can do:
- Contact your local police: File a FIR complaint with your local police.
- File a Cyber Crime Complaint: Visit the online cyber crime portal to submit details online.
- Keep evidence handy: Screenshots, transaction details, and messages are essential for investigation.
Reporting not only helps you but also protects the wider community from falling into the same traps.
Need Help?
If you’ve been affected by a Diwali sale scam, don’t panic. Register with us for expert guidance and step-by-step assistance to recover your money.
Our team helps you navigate legal and financial processes so you’re not left on your own.
Conclusion
Diwali is a time for celebration, joy, and festive shopping, but it can quickly turn stressful if you fall victim to a Diwali sale scam. From fake websites to clickbait ads and AI-generated promotions, scammers are always finding new ways to trick shoppers.
Stay alert, verify every deal, and don’t rush into purchases just because an offer looks too good to be true.
Share these tips with friends and family so they can shop safely too. By being cautious and informed, you can enjoy all the excitement of Diwali shopping without letting scammers spoil the festive spirit.
