By Madhurima Ghosh –
This upcoming festive seasons many are planning out of city trips to enjoy the necessary break from long COVID quarantine lifestyles, but on the other hand scammers are on the prowl to capture their next targets.
Police cyber cells are being overwhelmed with multiple complaints of fraud and scams in the name of tour packages. Hike in the number of fraud cases made the police warn the public to stay alert to save themselves from being deceived by these organized fraudsters.
For example, a senior citizen from Ballygunge, Kolkata had been duped in the name of helicopter ride to Badrinath. He identified the fraud when the receipt showed some major English language errors. Subhamoy Chakrabori from Dum Dum, Kolkata took his entire family to Digha, only to realize that he had been hoaxed with fake booking from fake website.
Along with fake tour programs fake online shopping website are also tricking customers.
Through Social media platforms and emails or messages these scams are rolled out. So to secure your holiday plans and online shopping experience, we present here a list of potential scams that you should be aware of before investing your money –
Social Media Ads – They can be deceptive
Prime targets for scam activity are social media platforms. Small business ads in social media feed are subject to question. Mostly they present deeply discounted items or a free trial of their product to buy the customers. There are reports where customers complained about prepaid orders online, never to receive the items.
Detailed research about the company is a must before ordering from an unknown website.
Holiday Apps
Holiday-themed apps advertising nominal fee or lucrative offers should be watched out. Also these apps may contain malwatre
Free Gift Cards
Scammers often trick consumers offering free stuff through gift cards in exchange of sending phishing emails in bulk, or personal information.
So it is better not to open unsolicited email or clicking any links announcing free gift card offers
Seasonal Jobs
Temporary workers are hired by retail companies to meet the spike in demand of holiday shoppers and online orders. With the surge in online orders due to the pandemic, delivery services are the top employers to ensure their customers receive their packages on time
So job seekers must be aware about avoiding employment scams where they are asked for money before employment.
Fake Flight or Hotel Websites
Unknown website full of last-minute deals, sales, and discounts are doubtful. Be especially cautious of emails that have links enclosed. Some may direct to websites that are look-alike for official retail websites curated by scammers. Scammers use these clone websites in order to deceive customers into downloading malware, making purchases and even convince into sharing private information. So check the URL of the site you are using before making any purchase
Fraud Agents for Tours
Some scammers are posing as agents of top hotels and asking for advance payments in their own accounts or floating fake home stays and extracting money in their names. Before making any such transfers it is important to check the genuiness of the person.
Phony PCR Tests
A newer form of scamming during this pandemic is through PCR testing. PCR tests when leaving or returning to a city had been removed, other than few exceptional cases. If you are asked to take one, be sure to cross check with your travel provider.
It is always better to be safe than being Sorry. Scammers would always be there. The best way to be safe is to stay alert, stay vigilant, informed, and avoid being scammed.