How to Spot Fake Deals and Avoid Online Shopping Scams

A great deal feels exciting — and scammers know it. The same urgency that makes you grab a bargain can make you skip the checks that keep you safe. Here's how to tell real savings from traps.

The inflated-price trick

The most common "fake deal" isn't a scam at all — it's a markup disguised as a markdown. A seller raises the price, then shows a big discount off that inflated number. Always verify the real price history before celebrating a percentage.

Red flags of a fake store

• Prices dramatically lower than everywhere else.
• No clear return policy, address or customer support.
• Only prepaid payment, no cash on delivery, pushy urgency.
• Spelling errors, copied images, a brand-new domain.

If a deal feels too good to be true on an unfamiliar site, it almost always is.

Phishing and "claim your prize" scams

1. Never click cashback/prize links from random SMS or WhatsApp.
2. Legitimate refunds never require you to share your UPI PIN or OTP.
3. You don't enter a PIN to receive money — only to send it.

Buy where you're protected

Stick to established marketplaces and reputable brand stores. They offer buyer protection, easy returns and dispute resolution. A slightly higher price on a trusted platform beats a "loot" price you can never get refunded.

Your safety checklist

• Verify the price history.
• Check seller ratings and return policy.
• Pay with a method that offers protection.
• Never share OTP, PIN or card CVV with anyone.

Stay calm, run the checks, and you'll enjoy real deals while the scams pass you by.