Raksha Bandhan & the Dark Side of Online Gifting: How to Truly Protect Your Siblings from Scams
Raksha Bandhan – a beautiful celebration of the unbreakable bond between siblings – is all about love, laughter, and, let’s be honest, some pretty thoughtful gifts. Whether you’re picking out a sleek smartwatch for your brother or a lovely skincare set for your sister, online shopping makes it a breeze to choose, click, and send everything right from your cozy couch.
But here’s the thing: scammers are just as excited about the festive season as we are – not for the joy, but for the chance to ensnare unsuspecting shoppers. With the rise of digital payments and online shopping, Raksha Bandhan has turned into a prime target for cyber fraud.
The Problem: Festive Vibes, Fraudulent Baits
When festivals like Raksha Bandhan roll around, online shopping in India really takes off. In fact, a Statista report shows that more than 70% of Indian shoppers prefer to buy their festive goodies online. With countless rakhi gifts, sweets, and gadgets being ordered, it’s no surprise that cybercriminals are ready to pounce.
In 2024, India experienced a staggering 38% increase in digital payment fraud, with e-commerce scams making up a significant portion, according to CERT-In (Computer Emergency Response Team – India). Many users reported getting fake payment links, phishing emails, and sketchy offers from counterfeit websites during the festive season.
Types of Online Scams During Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan is that special time of year when emotions run high, hearts are brimming, and shopping carts are overflowing! While you’re on the hunt for the perfect rakhi or that dream gift for your sibling, keep in mind that cybercriminals are also hard at work, setting up traps that you might not even notice.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common scams that pop up around Raksha Bandhan – not to frighten you, but to help you stay prepared.
1. Fake E-commerce Websites
Picture this: You’re scrolling through Instagram and stumble upon a stunning rakhi combo set at a jaw-dropping 70% off. The ad takes you to a website that looks completely legit, complete with flashy discounts and countdown timers screaming, “Only 2 hours left!” You whip out your card, make the payment… and then what? Nothing.
No order confirmation, no tracking info, and definitely no rakhi.
These sites often mimic the look of big players like Amazon, Flipkart, or Meesho, but they’re just clever imitations. They pull sneaky tricks, like tweaking the domain to something like amaz0n-offers.in or flipkart-sale.store.
Red Flag: If there’s no customer support, no reviews, and only prepaid payment options, you should be wary.
2. WhatsApp & SMS Phishing Links
You receive a message that reads:
“Claim your FREE Rakhi gift hamper – valid for the first 100 users only!”
There’s an enticing link right below it. You might think, “What could go wrong?”
But then, out of nowhere, your phone starts acting strange, and later you discover unauthorized UPI transactions draining your bank account.
That’s phishing for you – those sneaky links are designed to quietly swipe your personal information, bank details, or even install malware on your device.
Red Flag: Look out for spelling mistakes, offers that seem too good to be true, or links coming from unknown numbers.
3. Social Media Ad Scams
During Raksha Bandhan, your social media feeds are overflowing with “festive deals.” While many of these are legit, not all of them are.
You might come across ads like:
“Authentic Silver Rakhi – Now just ₹99! Free shipping!”
You click on the ad, and it takes you to a polished-looking website. But here’s the twist: it’s a scam. They won’t offer Cash on Delivery, which means you have to pay upfront.
Your gift never arrives, and good luck trying to track down the seller.
Red Flag: A new page with no followers or reviews, no return policy, and only prepaid payment options.
4. Fake Courier or Delivery Calls
This one can be a bit sneaky.
You get a call:
“Ma’am, we have a Rakhi gift for you sent by your brother. There’s just a small courier charge of ₹50. Can you UPI it to this number?”
You feel touched by the thoughtfulness and quickly send the money. Later, when you call your brother, he’s confused and says, “What gift?”
Yep, you just fell for a scam.
Cybercriminals often tap into public delivery databases or randomly target people during festivals when gifts are common.
Red Flag: Any courier asking for payment before delivery – especially through UPI.
5. Online Gift Card Frauds
During Raksha Bandhan, many folks love to gift vouchers from Amazon, Flipkart, or popular lifestyle brands. Unfortunately, scammers are quick to take advantage of this trend. You might get an email or SMS that says something like, “Your sibling has gifted you a ₹2,000 gift card! Click here to redeem.” But when you click on it, you’re led to a form that asks for your name, email, phone number, and even your bank details “to verify your identity”. All that information goes straight to the fraudsters.
Red Flag: If a gift card requires personal or financial info to redeem, steer clear!
6. Scammy Payment Gateway Pages
Here’s a sneaky one – you’re on a website, ready to make a purchase, and suddenly, it redirects you to what seems like PhonePe or Paytm… but it’s actually a fake version. Once you enter your UPI PIN or bank OTP, the scammers can wipe out your account. These fraudulent gateways are crafted to mimic real payment pages, right down to the fonts and colours.
Red Flag: Watch out for slight misspellings in URLs or being redirected to unfamiliar sites during checkout.
The Solution: Shop Smart, Celebrate Safely
Now that we’ve uncovered these scams, let’s talk about how you can keep yourself and your family safe
• Stick to trusted websites: Always check that the URL begins with https:// (the “s” means it’s secure).
• Ignore suspicious messages: No reputable brand sends out free offers through sketchy WhatsApp forwards.
• Double-check offers: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Use multi-factor authentication: This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts.
• Never share OTPs or UPI PINs: Not even with someone who claims to be from your bank.
• Opt for COD when unsure: This is especially important if you’re ordering from a new site for the first time.
• Read reviews: Genuine buyers leave honest feedback. Always take a look before making a purchase.
Real Raksha from Online Scams: Enter Protegent Total Security
If you really want to protect your sibling this Raksha Bandhan, don’t just stop at giving gifts. Think about their safety.
Protegent Total Security is more than just your average antivirus; it’s a comprehensive cybersecurity solution tailored for the Indian internet landscape. It’s built to spot and block fraud, phishing attempts, and harmful websites before they can cause any harm.
Here’s how Protegent keeps you safe:
• Safe Browsing Mode: Prevents access to fake websites and suspicious domains.
• Anti-Phishing & Anti-Ransomware: Identifies email and link-based scams in real-time.
• Parental Control & Data Leak Prevention: Ensures the whole family’s devices are secure, especially for younger users.
• Real-time Monitoring: Keeps an eye on threats and unusual activity while you browse or shop.
• Advanced AI Engine: Adapts to new threats and updates automatically.
This Raksha Bandhan, let Protegent Total Security be the protective shield that stays with your sibling throughout the year. Whether they’re shopping, scrolling, or studying – give them the invaluable gift of digital safety.
Final Thoughts: A Festival of Trust
Raksha Bandhan is all about safeguarding those we hold dear. As you tie that sacred thread or send heartfelt wishes across cities and states, remember not to let cybercriminals hold you back. Stay vigilant, shop wisely, and most importantly – keep yourself protected with Protegent.
Because that’s the true essence of Raksha in the bandhan.
