Shopping Online for Deepavali? How to Avoid Festive Scams

Online shopping makes festive preparations easier — you can order sarees, decorations and hampers without battling bazaar crowds. Unfortunately, festive seasons also attract scammers. Here's how to shop online safely this Deepavali.

Common Festive Scams

Fake Sellers on Social Media

Scammers create attractive pages selling clothes, jewellery or hampers at unbelievably low prices. After you pay, the goods never arrive — and the page disappears.

Deposit Traps

Some fake caterers or decorators ask for a deposit to "secure your booking" and then vanish.

Phishing Links

You may receive messages claiming you've won a Deepavali prize, a voucher or a delivery that needs "confirmation". The link leads to a fake site designed to steal your banking details.

Fake Delivery Notifications

Scammers send messages pretending to be courier companies, asking you to pay a small fee to release a parcel.

How to Spot a Scam

• Prices that seem far too good to be true
• Pages created very recently with few genuine reviews
• Pressure to pay quickly ("Only 2 left! Pay now!")
• Requests to transfer money to personal bank accounts
• Poor spelling and unofficial-looking websites
• Refusal to offer cash on delivery or platform-protected payments

Safe Shopping Habits

Use Trusted Platforms

Shop on established e-commerce platforms with buyer protection, or directly from well-known brand websites.

Check Reviews and History

Look for long-standing sellers with genuine customer reviews and photos.

Pay Securely

Use platform payment systems, credit cards or secure payment gateways. Avoid direct bank transfers to unknown individuals.

Verify Before You Pay

For caterers and decorators, ask for a business registration number, physical address and references. Call them before paying a deposit.

Don't Click Suspicious Links

Go directly to official websites or apps instead of clicking links in messages.

Protect Your Banking Details

Never share your TAC, OTP or online banking password with anyone, even if they claim to be from your bank.

If You've Been Scammed

• Contact your bank immediately to try to stop the transaction.
• Call Malaysia's National Scam Response Centre at 997.
• Make a police report.
• Report the seller to the platform.
• Warn friends and family so they don't fall for the same scam.

Buying Food Online

If ordering festive food or snacks online, check for halal certification where needed. Look for the JAKIM Halal logo on product listings, and verify the company on the official Halal Malaysia portal if you're unsure.

Help Elderly Relatives

Older family members may be targeted by scammers. Take a moment to explain common scams and encourage them to check with you before paying online.

Shop Smart, Celebrate Safely

Online shopping can be safe and convenient with a few precautions. Protect your money so you can focus on what matters this Deepavali.

Happy Deepavali, and happy (safe) shopping!