Fake Diwali Gift Offers Can Put Your Banking Details at Risk

Meerut Police have warned about fake Diwali gift and lucky draw messages circulating through WhatsApp, SMS and social media. The links may promise free gifts or expensive prizes and use the names of familiar companies to look convincing.

The pages behind these links may ask people to register, pay a small delivery fee or provide sensitive information to claim a reward. Scammers can use details such as one-time passwords (OTPs), ATM PINs and card CVVs to attempt unauthorised transactions. A forwarded message can be dangerous even when it comes from someone you know.

Check an offer by opening the company’s official website or app yourself. Don’t use a link from an unexpected message, pay a fee to claim a supposed prize, or share an OTP, PIN or CVV. Businesses can also remind staff to verify festive offers before opening links on work devices.

If you have shared banking details, contact your bank immediately to secure your account. Report suspected cyber fraud by calling 1930 and filing a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in.

A security product can add a layer of protection while browsing, but it cannot replace careful checks or prevent someone from sharing an OTP. NPAV’s Total Security includes anti-phishing protection for PCs, which may help users guard against phishing websites used in scams like these.