Fraud alert: Beware of fake websites and 'too good to be true' offers - Paytm Payments Bank Blog:- www.deekpay.com

In this digital age, with the proliferation of new online marketplaces, it has become more and more difficult to identify the genuine from the fake. These fake websites usually replicate the design elements and look and feel of well-known websites in order to deceive the inexperienced average user. The names of these websites may look familiar to you like flipkart.dhamaka-offers.com, flipkart-bigbillion-sale.com, flipkart-deals.in, indiadeals.co.in, bharatdeals.co.in.

Counterfeit sites: pay without user details

How does fraud work?

These sites offer incredibly good deals. Customers see the attractive prices and often overlook the subtleties of distinguishing between the genuine and the fake. Since they don't intend to ship the goods at all, they usually skip the registration and address collection process or make these steps optional. They direct visitors to the payment page, enticing people to pay via debit/credit card, UPI or mobile wallet.

How can I protect myself?

Double check the name of the website. Don't judge a website just by its appearance. Trustworthy brands almost always use only their primary domain names such as flipkart.com, amazon.in, paytm.com, etc.

Check for HTTPS in your browser's address bar. all Secure Marketplaces have HTTPS enabled and will display a lock icon next to the URL.

Look for multiple ways to contact the company (phone, email, online chat, address) and try to make contact.

Don't believe in incredibly good deals. If something sounds too good to be true, it often is.