Delhi Police warn of Diwali scams: fake gifts, fake shops, fake couriers

Delhi Police have warned that Diwali shoppers are being targeted with fake gift messages, fake online stores and fake courier calls. The advisory, issued ahead of the festival, says the goal is to steal bank details or take control of a phone. Festive buying, online payments and home deliveries all rise at this time of year, which gives fraudsters more openings.

What the police found

The advisory came from a Delhi Police unit linked to the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre. It describes several tricks running at the same time:

• A WhatsApp message promising Diwali gifts worth Rs 8,000, with a link that may be used to steal personal and banking information.
• APK files sent as Diwali greeting cards. An APK is an app installation file, and opening one can install malware, which is harmful software.
• Fake shopping sites selling phones and electronics at discounts of up to 90 per cent.
• Calls from people posing as Blue Dart, India Post or other delivery staff, claiming an order is held or an address must be updated.

Refund scams and fake help lines

Police also cautioned about fake customer-care numbers. In refund frauds, criminals may talk victims into installing remote-access apps such as AnyDesk or UltraViewer. These apps let an outsider control a phone or computer, and the fraudster can then try to make unauthorized transactions from linked bank accounts.

A common QR code mix-up

The advisory also clears up a widespread misunderstanding. A person does not need to scan a QR code to receive money. QR codes are generally used to make payments. Police say no one should ever share a UPI PIN or a bank one-time password with anyone, whatever the reason given.

Who can relax a little

Nothing in the advisory says that simply receiving a message causes harm. The danger starts when someone taps a link, installs a file, shares a code or follows instructions from a caller. People who do not shop online or expect deliveries face fewer openings, but gift messages and greeting cards can reach anyone with a phone.

What to do

The alert box above lists the steps. One point is worth stressing: speed matters. Police say prompt reporting can improve the chance of getting the defrauded amount frozen in the bank account. The order is bank first, then the 1930 helpline.

What happens next

The material does not say how many people have been defrauded or whether more advisories will follow. Police ask residents to stay alert through the Diwali period while shopping, receiving deliveries and answering promotional messages. For any courier call, check the company's official website and get the customer-care number there, not from the caller.