Cyber fraud during Raksha Bandhan festival

As the Raksha Bandhan festival approached, warnings emerged regarding increased cyber fraud risks associated with festive online shopping. Initial reports highlighted scammers using social media and fraudulent websites to lure consumers with promises of heavy discounts and express delivery for gifts, sweets, and rakhis. Tactics included the creation of fake websites mimicking real brands and the use of deceptive payment links or QR codes.

Following these developments, cybersecurity experts and police, including the Nagpur Cyber Police, issued more specific warnings. Authorities identified the use of emotional appeals and malicious files, such as ‘Raksha Bandhan Greeting APK’ or ‘Festival Gift APK’, sent via WhatsApp or SMS to compromise mobile devices. Scammers also utilized phishing links for ‘special cashback’ or ‘free gift vouchers’ and created fraudulent sites mimicking major retailers like Amazon or Flipkart. Law enforcement advised the public to avoid unknown links, refrain from downloading suspicious files, and verify all urgent money transfer requests.