McAfee has shared practical tips to help consumers stay protected while enjoying the convenience of online deals and holiday shopping.
- Think Before You Click
Phishing attempts often come disguised as great deals or urgent updates, such as package delivery notifications. McAfee advises:
Avoid clicking on links from unsolicited emails or messages.
Always interact directly with trusted retailers by visiting their official websites or apps.
- Leverage AI to Beat Cybercriminals
AI-powered scams are becoming more sophisticated, but consumers can use technology to fight back:
Tools like the McAfee Text Scam Detector help identify and block dangerous links in text messages, emails, and browsers, allowing users to shop and browse securely.
- Spot Deepfake Content
Deepfake technology is a growing threat, often used in fake endorsements or fraudulent messages. To detect deepfakes, McAfee suggests looking for:
Unnatural blinking or eye movements.
Discrepancies between audio and lip movement.
Odd visual details like unusual hands or distorted facial features.
- Prioritize Comprehensive Online Protection
Invest in solutions like McAfee+, which offer robust identity, privacy, and device protection. These tools can:
Detect and block suspicious links.
Guard against malicious websites, even those mimicking celebrity endorsements or legitimate brands.
Provide peace of mind for you and your family while shopping online.
Shopping Smart and Staying Safe
By adopting these tips, consumers can enjoy the festive shopping season without falling victim to cybercriminals. Remember, vigilance and the right tools are key to staying secure in the digital marketplace.
McAfee said there was a sharp rise in online scams during India’s recent shopping season, from October 1 to October 28.
The Digital Shopping Surge
McAfee’s Global Festive Shopping Survey revealed a dramatic shift in shopping behavior this year. While 66 percent of Indians plan to shop online more than last year, the convenience and deals found online come with significant risks:
68 percent of shoppers cited better discounts online.
60 percent preferred online shopping for its speed and ease.
However, the survey warns that this ease has opened the door to a surge in phishing attempts and malicious links, with cybercriminals capitalizing on the festive rush.
Cyber Risks on the Rise
The McAfee Labs team documented troubling findings:
Over 800 phishing emails targeting festive shoppers were analyzed, with scam activity peaking on weekends.
24,000 malicious URLs were blocked during the festive season, with activity spiking before events like Durga Ashtami and Diwali.
Scammers often imitated trusted e-commerce giants like Amazon and Flipkart, luring users with unrealistic discounts of up to 99 percent.
“Scammers are leveraging AI-powered tools to craft sophisticated fake endorsements and near-perfect replicas of brand websites,” said Pratim Mukherjee, Senior Director of Engineering at McAfee.
AI’s Role in Cybercrime
The integration of AI into cybercrime is a growing concern:
74 percent of Indians believe cybercriminal activity intensifies during festivals.
84 percent expressed heightened concern about deepfake scams compared to last year.
Scammers exploited common channels such as email (39 percent), text messages (31 percent), and social media (30 percent). Common scams included fake purchase notifications, missed delivery alerts, and fraudulent banking messages.
Social Media Influence and Scams
Social media played a significant role in influencing consumer purchases, with scammers exploiting this trend:
47 percent of Indians or someone they know fell for scams involving fake celebrity endorsements.
31 percent said they were likely to purchase from unfamiliar retailers on social media if the deal seemed appealing.
Staying Safe
As festive shopping continues, McAfee urges consumers to stay vigilant, verify deals, and rely on trusted online protection tools. The message is clear: don’t let the joy of the season be overshadowed by falling victim to scams.
