As the festive season approaches, the Tamil Nadu Cyber Crime Wing has warned the public about a surge in online firecracker sale scams. According to the police, scammers are targeting buyers by exploiting Diwali enthusiasm, with 17 complaints reported between September and October through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
The cybercrime police explained that scammers are using social media platforms to post attractive advertisements offering significant discounts on firecrackers. Victims, eager to capitalise on these deals, contact the fraudsters via WhatsApp or phone calls. Scammers then share links to fake websites, such as www.kannancrackers.in and www.sunrisecrackers.com, designed to appear legitimate but intended to steal money.
“These sites often display genuine-looking product catalogues, prices, and payment options,” said the police. “Once payment is made, the victims never receive their ordered products, and the scammers vanish with the money.” The public is also at risk of having their personal and financial information compromised.
In response, the police have issued an advisory urging people to verify the authenticity of online sellers, ensuring they have legitimate physical addresses and contact information before making any payments. The advisory also warns against ads that promote unrealistic deals, unusually low prices, or limited-time offers.
To stay safe, the public is advised to purchase firecrackers from well-known brands, official websites, or established e-commerce platforms. Additionally, the police have encouraged users to report suspicious ads on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to prevent others from falling victim to these scams.
Victims of such cyber fraud, or those observing suspicious activities, can report incidents through the helpline number 1930 or via the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at www.cybercrime.gov.in.
