TGCSB warns Public against “Fake Online Shopping Advertisements”
Hyderabad, May 27 (TNT): Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) on Wednesday issued an advisory warning citizens against a rise in cyber frauds involving fake online shopping advertisements circulating on social media platforms.
According to the advisory, cybercriminals are using fake sponsored advertisements on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp and Telegram to lure people with unrealistic discounts on branded shoes, electronics, clothing, gadgets, insurance products and luxury items.
The bureau said victims are often redirected to fraudulent websites and fake payment gateways, where they either lose money without receiving products or unknowingly share sensitive financial and personal information, resulting in financial fraud and identity theft.
The TGCSB identified several warning signs commonly associated with such scams, including unrealistic discounts, absence of Cash on Delivery (COD) options, newly created social media pages with few followers, poorly designed websites, suspicious URLs, fake reviews and demands for advance payments only.
The bureau advised citizens to carefully verify website URLs before making payments, check the authenticity of reviews and social media pages, compare prices with official brand websites and avoid clicking on unknown sponsored advertisements.
The advisory also urged users to use only secure payment methods and never share OTPs or banking credentials with unknown individuals or websites.
Victims of cyber fraud have been advised to immediately contact the Cybercrime Helpline at 1930, report incidents through the official National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and inform their banks or payment providers in case of fraudulent transactions.
“Verify Before You Buy,” the advisory issued by TGCSB Director Shikha Goel stated.
TNT TS
