The festive season is a jackpot for small businesses. But behind the sparkle of booming sales lurks a shadowy threat: cyber fraud. According to CERT-In and DSCI, 74% of India’s SMEs faced at least one cyber incident last year. And during Diwali, Rakhi, or the year-end rush, the risks multiply.
With high order volumes and stretched teams, small businesses become easy prey. Scammers exploit the festive chaos using clever tricks, fake identities, and pressure tactics. From phishing links to phoney UPI payments, the fraud playbook is expanding.
How Scammers Strike During Festive Rush
Fraudsters are evolving fast. Here’s how they typically target small businesses:
- Forged UPI Receipts: Fake buyers send screenshots of bogus payments, pushing sellers to ship goods without real payment.
- Email Impersonation: They pose as trusted suppliers and ask for a bank account update, right into their pockets.
- Delivery Scam Links: Fake messages or calls claim to be from delivery partners, luring staff into clicking malware-laced links.
- Festive QR Codes: Seemingly cheerful QR greetings or OTP prompts hide malicious intent.
- Fake Corporate Orders: Criminals pretend to be big brands placing bulk orders, pressuring vendors into rushed fulfilment.
How to Stay Cyber-Safe
With a little vigilance, small businesses can foil most cyber tricks. Here are actionable tips:
- Verify Every Payment: Never dispatch goods until you see funds in your account.
- Double-Check Account Changes: Any email asking to change bank details should be confirmed via a known number.
- Train Your Team: Help staff spot red flags, unknown links, QR codes, or too-urgent messages.
- Use Two-Step Authentication: Protect sensitive systems with strong passwords and multi-factor security.
- Report Suspicious Activity: Set up a simple, no-blame system to log and act on red flags.
Don’t Let Your Guard Down
Clicking a festive message, scanning a QR code, or rushing through dispatch, these small oversights can lead to big losses. In the digital age, basic cyber hygiene is not optional. It’s a must.
If you’ve experienced fraud or even a failed attempt, report it immediately. Call the Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 or visit cybercrime.gov.in.
Festive cheer is for everyone, but only if your business is protected from fraud. Stay sharp. Stay safe.
