With the advent of Covid-19, online shopping has become a popular way for people to shop over the past few years, with cyber crooks taking advantage to create fake websites of major e-commerce companies like Amazon, Flipcart, D-Mart Ajio, Mintra, Big Basket etc. These fake websites are designed to trick visitors into revealing their credit card information or other personal information, which can be used by cybercriminals. In this article, we will explore the operation of these fake websites and consumer defense mechanisms.

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Phishing Websites

Cybercriminals deceive customers by building phishing websites that appear to be genuine Amazon, Flipkart, or other branded e-commerce websites. Cybercriminals employ techniques such as sending phishing emails, messages, or links to these bogus websites. Customers who click on these links are directed to a fake website where they are requested to provide personal and financial information. Cybercriminals can utilise a user's information for nefarious purposes soon after the user submits it, such as identity theft, credit card fraud, or unauthorised access to the user's accounts. They can also use stolen data to open phoney accounts in the user's name and engage in illicit actions.

A phishing website is a phoney website that is made to look like an original website in order to collect sensitive information from consumers. Fake websites may look and feel similar to well-known websites such as amazon, flipcart, online banking sites, or social media sites in an attempt to fool users into inputting personal information such as user ids, passwords, email addresses, phine numbers, debit card or credit card numbers.

How to prevent yourself from being cheated

Online shopping has grown in popularity in a short amount of time, making the buying experience more convenient for customers. However, when shopping online, it is critical to be aware of potential risks. Keep the following in mind when shopping online:

• Look for “https” in the website URL and make sure it is secure. Websites with “https” have a secure connection and are less likely to be hacked.

• Read product reviews and ratings shared by consumers on the website.

• Always use secure payment methods such as PayPal UPI, and avoid using credit cards or debit cards or wireless.
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• Phishing attempts can happen through pop-up ads, so be aware.

• Use secured devices and must install antivirUS, antimalware software in your devices.

• There are a lot of fake ads circulating on the social media site, which could be a scam.

• Create strong, unguessable passwords that you update frequently.

• Be extra cautious when considering offers or price that appear to be too low

• Websites that offer substantial discounts or freebies should be avoided as they are often scammed by criminals.

Conclusion:

To defend yourself from such frauds, you must be cautious and take safeguards to safeguard your sensitive information online. Using strong passwords, being watchful of questionable emails or attachments, and only exposing personal information to reputable sources are all examples of this. Organisations should prioritise cyber security measures to avoid similar calamities in the future. Individuals and organisations must be vigilant and take preventative actions as technology improves to protect themselves from cyber dangers.

References:
1.https://www.binance.com/en-IN/blog/community/know-your-scam-how-to-identify-fake-shopping-websites-3663742834997503289
2.https://cyber.delhipolice.gov.in/netbanking.html