Cybercriminals Love Diwali Sales Too! Are you Prepared?

Dhanteras and Diwali aren’t just about lights, sweets, and family get-togethers anymore — they’ve become one of the biggest shopping seasons in India. From gold and gadgets on Dhanteras to massive online sales during Diwali week, lakhs of Indians rush to grab deals and festive discounts.

But here’s the catch: cybercriminals love Diwali shopping season as much as we do — but for very different reasons.

High web traffic, skyrocketing online transactions, and the “fear of missing out” on festive deals create the perfect storm for scams, phishing, and fraud.

According to the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), online shopping scams in India rose by nearly 40% during the festive season of 2023. In fact, the Reserve Bank of India reported that in FY 2023-24, Indians lost ₹1,750 crore to online banking and digital payment frauds. And yes — a large chunk of these frauds peak during Dhanteras and Diwali when shopping activity is at its highest.

So, while you prepare your wish list, let’s also prepare a cyber-safety checklist.

Stolen credentials & identity theft

Falling for a festive scam isn’t just about losing a few thousand rupees on a fake purchase. The bigger danger is identity theft. Once your data (PAN, Aadhaar, card numbers) is stolen, it can be misused for loans, SIM cards, or even bigger financial fraud.

Globally, recovering from identity theft can take months — in India, according to a 2024 Norton study, it takes victims, on average, 112 days to resolve identity fraud cases. That’s enough to ruin not just your Diwali, but the months that follow.

The Diwali shopping phenomenon

Just to understand the scale:

• India’s e-commerce festive sales crossed $7.5 billion (₹62,000+ crore) in 2023 (Redseer report).
• Flipkart and Amazon reported that 1 in 3 Indian households shopped online during Diwali week.
• Jewellery sales on Dhanteras alone touched ₹25,000 crore last year, according to CAIT.

Now imagine — with this surge in online payments and deliveries, cybercriminals get a goldmine of distracted shoppers rushing for deals.

Dhanteras risks vs Diwali shopping risks

Historically, Dhanteras has been about buying jewellery, electronics, and “big ticket” items, while Diwali week is about flashy e-commerce deals. Each carries its own cyber dangers:

Dhanteras risks

• Fake jewellery & electronics websites: Fraudsters set up polished lookalike sites offering “heavy festive discounts” on gold, diamonds, or gadgets.
• Phishing messages: WhatsApp forwards with “Dhanteras Lucky Draw” links lead to credential-stealing sites.
• Malicious QR codes: Increasingly seen at jewellery shops or pop-ups, redirecting you to payment scams.

Diwali shopping risks

• Fake shopping apps: Fraudulent Android/iOS apps that mimic Amazon, Flipkart, or Myntra.
• Smishing (SMS phishing): “Your Diwali gift is pending delivery, click here” — a classic trick to steal data.
• Too-good-to-be-true offers: 90% off iPhones? You already know — scam alert!

Cybercriminals are now blurring lines — from social media scams to fake courier calls — they know Indians are distracted during festive shopping and are quick to exploit.

How to protect yourself this Diwali

Here are some practical safety tips for your Diwali and Dhanteras purchases:

• Never share personal info unless you’re 100% sure of the source.
• Double-check websites and check for HTTPS and the padlock symbol, and avoid misspelled domains.
• Use credit cards over debit cards; they offer better fraud protection.
• Don’t click on “gift links” in WhatsApp/SMS. Verify with the official brand site.
• Avoid public Wi-Fi for payments. Use mobile data or a secure VPN.
• Shop only from trusted apps/sites. Download from official app stores.
• Stay cautious of QR codes, especially in public places.
• Keep your software updated, as unpatched devices are easy targets.

Why Protegent Total Security is Your Festive Armour

The best Diwali gift you can give yourself and your family? Peace of mind.

While scams are getting smarter, so is Protegent. Unlike generic antivirus software, Protegent Total Security is built to protect you from the very scams that peak during Dhanteras and Diwali.

Key features that protect you:

• Real-Time Protection: Blocks malicious websites, fake shopping portals, and phishing links instantly.
• Anti-Phishing & Anti-Spam Filters: Keep those “Diwali Lucky Draw” mails & SMS scams away.
• Safe Banking & Payment Protection: Ensures your UPI, net banking, and card payments remain secure.
• Data Theft Protection: Prevents identity theft by monitoring unauthorized access to your personal info.
• Parental Control: Protects kids from unsafe festive apps and fake game giveaways.
• System Optimiser: Keeps your PC running smoothly (because who wants a slow computer in the the festive season?).

With Protegent Total Security, you’re not just celebrating Diwali; you’re celebrating it safely.

Final Thoughts

Dhanteras and Diwali are times to celebrate abundance — not to lose it to fraudsters. Every year, while we light diyas to chase away darkness, cybercriminals light up their screens looking for easy prey.

But awareness + the right protection can keep you safe.

So this festive season, shop smart, shop safe, and let Protegent Total Security guard your digital gold.

Because no deal is worth the cost of your identity.