Festive Season Scams: 5 Digital Payment Safety Tips Shared By NPCI

From buying gifts and household items to making payments at stores and online marketplaces, digital transactions are part of many festive purchases. While availing discounts and cash-backs during the festive period, users tend to forget about payment safety. The NPCI has outlined five tips that consumers should follow in order to keep their transactions safe.

Shop Only Through Official Apps And Websites

Before making a purchase, consumers should ensure that they are using a retailer’s official website or app. Fraudsters may create imitation websites to collect personal and payment details. NPCI advised users, “Always type the web address yourself or use the official app.” It also cautioned against opening unfamiliar links or downloading attachments, including those claiming to contain festive offers or greeting cards, as these may lead to fraudulent websites or expose devices to harmful software.

Make Payments From The Platform’s Official Checkout

Shoppers should be careful if a seller asks them to make payment outside the shopping app or website on another UPI ID or payment link. These requests may take the transaction outside the platform's usual safety checks. NPCI advises users to “Always complete transactions on the official checkout page and confirm the seller’s details.”

Check Cashback And Voucher Claims Before Responding

Messages promising free vouchers, cashback or festival gifts may ask recipients to provide account details, share an OTP or pay a small fee to receive the benefit. NPCI said, “Genuine offers don’t need sensitive information or upfront payments.” Consumers should check promotions through the company’s official app or website rather than responding to unsolicited messages.

Keep OTPs Private, Even During Payment Disputes

The fraudster may claim that there has been a failure of a particular transaction or the user’s account is blocked and that the user will need to give his/her OTP in order to fix the problem. Users should never disclose them to callers or people contacting them through messages, even if they claim to represent a bank or payment app.

Verify Urgent Requests Instead Of Rushing

Messages claiming that a discount will expire shortly or an account will be blocked unless immediate action is taken may be designed to create panic. Consumers should avoid making payments or sharing information in a hurry. NPCI advised users, “Pause and verify such claims through the official app, website or customer support channel before responding.”

NPCI also highlighted the ‘Stop, Think, Act’ approach. Users should pause when they receive an unexpected request, verify the information and proceed only after confirming that the source is genuine.