During the festive season, we tend to make more online transactions and are attracted by internet offers. However, it is important to be cautious as there are fraudsters who take advantage of innocent customers through online advertisements, which have become the basis of modern-day marketing. Cybersecurity experts have issued warnings about this, urging people to be alert.
The hazardous world of online ad fraud was recently brought to light by the Cyber Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) with a warning. In the digital era, it is essential to comprehend the strategies used by scam artists and develop self-defence techniques.
These frauds are based on dishonesty and take advantage of the media meant to display goods and services. Predators use urgency-based techniques, showing off attractive offers that look too good to decline.
These advertisements, which frequently pose as time-limited sales, may use fake review films that promote fraudulent endorsements to boost confidence. The trick consists of deeply discounted, in-demand products that attract customers into paying in full advance.
The network of lies doesn’t end there. After making the first payment, victims may get follow-up requests for fees that seem to be GST or shipping costs. Scammers create fictional tracking information to keep the impression that their purchases are on their way. After the money is received, all lines of communication are suddenly cut off, leaving victims alone and abandoned.
Safeguarding Techniques: How to Get Through the Digital Maze
A lifeline of preventive measures is provided by CERT-In, which is aware of these potential threats and works to safeguard against these online marketing schemes:
- Care Before You Click: Be cautious whenever you click on a link. Examine domain names carefully for lawfulness before interacting.
- Evaluate Reviews and Comments: Examine the honesty of product reviews and comments while evaluating them. Often, meticulous examination is necessary to determine authenticity.
- Social Media Vigilance: Avoid communicating on social media with someone you don’t know. Refrain from opening attachments or links that strangers send you over chat or SMS.
- Safeguarding Financial Information: Whether by phone or social media, never give out financial information to random people.
- Transaction Judgement: Only use reputable, secure websites for transactions. Be cautious while making any online financial transaction.
- Report Cyber Fraud Right Away: If you fall for one of these scams, notify the police right away by calling 1930 or via the https://www.cybercrime.gov.in website.
As Christmas shopping reaches its peak, many of us are exploring the internet for the best deals. But in doing so, we must also be cautious of online ad scams. To protect ourselves, we need to be aware and careful. Let’s prioritize safety and prudence as we celebrate this holiday season.
