Don’t Fall for These 6 Festive Cyber Traps in 2025!

 

 Festivals in India are a time of joy, togetherness, and online shopping sprees, but they also attract cybercriminals looking to cash in on the festive rush. Quick Heal’s research revealed a 56% spike in phishing attacks and malicious domains during the 2024 festive season, with scammers targeting unsuspecting consumers through fake shopping sites, fraudulent QR codes, and phishing links disguised as “exclusive offers.” With 2025 shaping up to see similar trends, it’s more important than ever to stay alert, shop wisely, and recognize the scams lurking behind enticing deals, so your celebrations remain joyful and secure.

1. Fake Shopping Portals & Flash Sales

Scammers are getting creative, cloning Amazon or Flipkart sites so perfectly that even eagle-eyed shoppers can be fooled. They dangle irresistible discounts, but clicking “buy” often means losing both money and card details. Quick Heal’s Safe Banking feature can block these fake sites, but the simplest safeguard? Stick to verified apps and official links, because no deal is worth a digital heartbreak.

2. Gift Card Gimmicks

Festive WhatsApp groups and social media forwards often flaunt “exclusive” gift vouchers for Amazon, Zomato, or other lifestyle brands, tempting users with deals that seem too good to resist. But click too fast, and you could end up with an empty wallet or compromised payment details. Scammers exploit the holiday rush, urgency, and your excitement to make the trap look real. The safest move? Always buy gift cards directly from trusted platforms like Paytm or the brand’s official app, double-check the source, and never share card codes or PINs with anyone, even if the message looks festive and official. Staying cautious ensures your festive gifting stays fun, not fraudulent.

3. Deepfake Greetings & AI Calls

AI has officially joined the festive scam season. Fraudsters now send deepfake video calls pretending to be “relatives” or mimic the voices of “bank managers,” pressuring you for instant money transfers. It feels personal, which is exactly why it’s dangerous. Quick Heal’s AntiFraud features, along with tools like Norton 360, can help flag suspicious links and calls before they reach you. A simple double-check, like calling back on WhatsApp, confirming with family, or asking a question only your real relative would know, can save you from costly mistakes. Remember, no festive rush is worth handing over your hard-earned money to a digital impostor.

4. Ticketing Traps

Planning travel for Diwali or New Year? Fake booking portals for IRCTC, airlines, or bus tickets are popping up everywhere, promising confirmed seats at bargain rates. Pay up, and the tickets vanish, while your personal and payment details land straight in scammers’ hands. Quick Heal’s Safe Banking and anti-phishing features can alert you to such malicious sites, but the best defense is sticking to trusted platforms like MakeMyTrip, Yatra, ClearTrip, or the official airline portals and never clicking links sent via SMS or unverified messages. A little caution now keeps your holiday plans stress-free later.

5. Donation Deceptions
   Festive generosity is a favorite target for cybercriminals, who pose as NGOs or religious trusts and send fake UPI IDs or QR codes to siphon off “donations.” Quick Heal’s AntiFraud feature can help flag suspicious codes, while trusted apps like Google Pay and Paytm let you verify recipient details before sending money. Remember: genuine charities never rush you into instant transfers, and a moment of caution can ensure your goodwill actually reaches the intended cause instead of a scammer’s pocket.
   
   
6. QR Code & Phishing 2.0

From restaurant tables to shop counters, scammers are sticking fake QR codes everywhere, while AI-generated phishing emails are becoming eerily convincing. One careless scan or click, and sensitive info is in the wrong hands. Cybersecurity tools like Quick Heal, Norton, or Bitdefender can help spot suspicious activity, but the simplest defense is a brief pause, double-check the recipient name on Paytm, PhonePe, or Google Pay before confirming any payment. A few seconds of caution can save you from a lifetime of regret… and empty wallets.