Flipkart issues fraud alert: Beware of fake offers during big Billion Days sale

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: In all likelihood, any email, SMS or Whatsapp message you may receive from a website claiming to advertise unbelievable discounts and offers during Flipkart’s Big Billion Days sale is a scam.

Flipkart says that "Unbelievable is the only word to believe here, for these messages are sent by cheats and scammers operating fraudulent websites. They intend to make a fast buck by misappropriating the familiar and trustworthy name of Flipkart. You are advised not to trust these websites with your money, or your personal and financial information".

The company says that these websites may have names and internet addresses (URLs) like flipkart.dhamaka-offers.com, flipkart-bigbillion-sale.com among others. Such websites are not authorized by Flipkart. They endanger both Flipkart’s reputation and the safety of online shopping in India. You are strongly advised not to conduct any business with such websites. 

The Big Billion Days is India’s biggest sale and this year it is scheduled to take place from October 2 to 6, 2016. During the sale, customers can shop exclusively on the official desktop website, mobile shopping app, and mobile site of Flipkart. The sale will not be conducted on any other website or online platform other than these. 

Clicking on these fraudulent links in messages and emails may compromise the security of your computer or device, and may install harmful software on your system. Further, these sites may install software designed to compromise your internet security, which may put your personal and financial information at risk. Sharing your Flipkart username and password, bank account details or credit card information with these sites may lead to fraud and theft of both your money and your personal data.

The company has appealed to customers and all online shoppers in India to exercise caution while interacting with websites that may claim to offer discounts on behalf of Flipkart. All offers, deals and discounts applicable to the Big Billion Days sale will be announced exclusively on Flipkart, as well as the official media vehicles and social media handles owned, managed and operated by Flipkart.