Online Shopping Safety: How to Spot and Avoid Fake Deals

Most online shopping in India happens without any problem. But scammers know that people are looking for bargains, especially during big sales, and they design fake offers to take advantage of that. A few habits will protect you from the large majority of these tricks.

Common types of fake deals

Look-alike shopping websites

These copy the design of a well-known store, use a similar-looking web address and advertise extremely low prices. Payment is taken, but nothing is delivered — or a cheap counterfeit arrives.

Social media advertisements and pages

Ads promoting “clearance sales” for branded goods at a fraction of the price, often with a countdown timer, can lead to fake sites. Some pages copy a brand’s name and logo.

Messages with links

SMS, WhatsApp or email messages announcing a prize, a free gift, a refund or a “special price” link, often asking you to log in or pay a small fee.

OTP and refund scams

Someone calls or messages claiming to be from a store or bank, says there is a problem with an order or a refund, and asks for an OTP, card details or to install a screen-sharing app.

Warning signs

• The price is far below what every other reputable store charges.
• The web address has misspellings, extra words or unusual endings.
• Only prepaid payment is accepted, especially direct UPI transfer to an individual.
• There is no clear contact address, return policy or company information.
• The site was created very recently or has no independent reviews.
• You feel rushed: “only 2 minutes left”, “last 3 pieces”.
• Someone asks for an OTP, PIN, password or remote access to your phone.

Simple checks before you pay

1. Type the store address yourself or use the official app, instead of following a link in a message or ad.
2. Check the web address carefully, character by character, on the payment page too.
3. Search for the store name plus “reviews” or “scam” if you have not used it before.
4. Compare the price with two well-known stores. A price that is wildly lower is a warning, not a win.
5. Check the seller on marketplaces, including rating and return policy.
6. Read the return and refund policy before ordering.

Pay safely

• Use payment methods that offer some protection and a clear transaction record, and pay through the store’s own checkout.
• Remember that you never need to enter a UPI PIN to receive money. Any request to enter your PIN “to get a refund” is a scam.
• Never share an OTP with anyone who calls or messages you. Genuine stores and banks do not ask for it.
• Do not install screen-sharing or remote-access apps at the request of a caller.
• Consider cash on delivery for an unfamiliar seller, if available, while remembering it may carry a fee.

How Best Deal Dekho handles links

Every “Get Deal” button on this site goes through our own short redirect link, which sends you only to the merchant address stored by our team. Visitors cannot change that destination. We never ask for payment, OTPs or card details — purchases happen on the merchant’s own website. If you receive a message claiming to be from Best Deal Dekho and asking for any of these, it is not from us. Read more in our affiliate disclosure and privacy policy.

If something goes wrong

1. Contact your bank immediately if you shared card details or an OTP, and ask them to block the card or transaction.
2. Report cyber fraud through the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or the portal at cybercrime.gov.in. Reporting quickly can improve the chance of stopping a transfer.
3. Raise a consumer complaint for problems with a genuine seller, such as a refused refund, through the National Consumer Helpline (1915) or its website.
4. Keep evidence: screenshots of the site, messages, order details and payment references.

Helpline numbers and portals can change; check official government sources for the latest details.

Conclusion

The safest rule is simple: if a deal seems unbelievable, check it before you trust it. Go to stores directly, check the address, never share an OTP or PIN, and pay through proper checkouts. Genuine deals do not need you to rush or reveal secrets. For honest offers with a verification date on each one, browse our latest deals, and read how to check whether a discount is real.