Online Festive Shopping Increases — So Do Delivery Scams
This festive season, Indian households are set to break records with online spends expected to surge by 115%. Shoppers flock to the internet for gourmet foods, electronics, fashion, and festive essentials, for convenient doorstep delivery and easy returns. However, as digital purchases climb, delivery scams rise too — creating serious risks for families eager to enjoy the celebrations.
Delivery Scams: How Do They Work?
Cybercriminals use social engineering to trick shoppers who rely on courier and logistics services. Scammers send fake texts, emails, and calls claiming to be courier companies. They often tell victims their parcel has “delivery issues,” then redirect them to fake payment pages or malicious links. Once the shopper clicks, their personal data or money disappears in seconds —sometimes entire bank accounts are emptied before victims know what hit them.
Recent Scam Cases Across India
In September 2025, two delivery agents in Hapur, UP, swapped high-value electronics for cheap items, defrauding their company of ₹11 lakh. A Pune resident lost ₹11 lakh after responding to fake courier calls and “verification” payment links for a parcel allegedly containing contraband. Nationwide, delivery scam complaints have crossed 5 lakh this year, costing Indian businesses a projected ₹20,000 crore. Elderly and vulnerable users are often targeted, especially through WhatsApp and SMS.
Why Are Scams So Common During Festivals?
Festivals mean high volumes of digital transactions and increased spending — projected at ₹2.19 lakh crore for 2025. With 56% rise in cyber attacks during the festive rush, scammers exploit urgency, emotional generosity, and less cautious shopping behavior. Countdown timers, fake websites mimicking trusted brands, and too-good-to-be-true offers make users act quickly and skip verification.
Criminals also target public Wi-Fi networks at malls, cafes, and stations. Sophisticated malware and phishing attacks infect devices, steal credentials, and quietly drain accounts. Even festive e-cards may hide Trojans, exposing contacts and banking data.
How Can Shoppers Stay Safe?
It is critical to double-check every delivery notification before clicking links or making payments. Always verify courier details on official platforms. Never share bank details or OTPs over email, SMS, or social media. Fraudulent sites often have minor spelling errors — read carefully and look for signs of an imposter.
Use official apps for shopping, travel, and payments. Update operating systems and antivirus software before the festival rush. Avoid public Wi-Fi for banking or shopping whenever possible. Check UPI and bank statements regularly for unauthorized charges. Teach family members how to spot “Dear Customer” emails and suspicious payment requests, especially elderly or first-time digital users.
Role of Logistics Partners
Logistics partners are investing heavily in scam awareness campaigns. For instance, FedEx is actively educating customers on scam tactics and safe purchase habits through advisories. E-commerce platforms are also stepping up real-time fraud alerts. The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) lets anyone report scams and helps law enforcement take action faster. These combined efforts aim to make festive shopping secure and enjoyable.
Guard Your Festive Joy: Act Smart
India’s festivals celebrate togetherness and generosity. By staying aware, checking every delivery message carefully, and using secure online practices, everyone can protect themselves and their family. Don’t let delivery scams steal your joy — use official apps, stay alert, and report anything suspicious.
