Buying Rakhi Online for Raksha Bandhan? Beware of Cyber Fraud, These 9 Mistakes Could Prove Costly

As Raksha Bandhan approaches, shopping for Rakhi, gifts, sweets, clothes, and other items starts increasing not only in physical markets but also on online shopping platforms. This year, Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on Friday, August 28, 2026.

However, cybercriminals may also try to exploit the growing online shopping activity around the festival. People may be directed to fake websites or suspicious links through offers such as heavily discounted Rakhis, free gifts, extra discounts, free delivery, or "last stock available" messages.

So, if you are planning to buy Rakhi online from home, do not place an order simply by looking at the price and design. Checking the website's authenticity, payment page, and link is equally important.

CERT-In has also advised users to stay alert against suspicious links, fake websites, and offers that appear too good to be true. Government cybersecurity advisories emphasize using strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and exercising caution with unknown messages and links.

Why Could the Risk of Cyber Fraud Increase During Online Rakhi Shopping?

During festivals, people often want to complete their purchases quickly. This urgency can create an opportunity for cybercriminals.

For example, a person may see an advertisement on social media offering a Rakhi gift box worth ₹999 for just ₹199. After clicking the advertisement, the person may be redirected to a website that looks similar to a popular shopping platform.

The website may then ask for the person's name, mobile number, card details, or payment information. In some cases, fake websites may attempt to collect sensitive information under the pretext of processing a payment.

According to CERT-In, phishing involves criminals creating messages or pages that appear to come from trusted institutions or brands in an attempt to obtain personal or financial information.

Follow These 9 Precautions When Buying Rakhi Online

1. Check the Website URL Carefully

When buying Rakhi online, check the website's URL first. Do not trust a website merely because its design looks professional.

Check whether the website name is correct, whether there are any spelling changes, and whether the connection uses HTTPS. CERT-In's online shopping guidance also emphasizes using trusted websites and checking security information such as HTTPS.

2. Do Not Click on Every Offer You See on Social Media

During Raksha Bandhan, you may see various offers on social media, SMS, or messaging apps.

Messages such as "Today Only," "99% Discount," "Free Rakhi," "Win a Lucky Draw," or "Click Now to Get a Free Gift" can be dangerous if they encourage you to open an unknown link immediately.

The RBI also advises users not to click on suspicious links and to remain cautious about unknown digital communications.

3. Be Careful With Extremely Cheap Offers

If an expensive gift or premium Rakhi is being offered at a price far below its normal market value, investigate before making a purchase.

Not every cheap offer is fraudulent, but offers that appear "too good to be true" require extra caution. NPCI also advises users to be wary of offers that attempt to manipulate them through greed or fear into making digital payments.

4. Never Share Your UPI PIN or OTP

This is one of the most important precautions.

If someone claiming to be a shopkeeper, delivery agent, or customer-care representative calls you while you are purchasing Rakhi online and asks for your UPI PIN, OTP, CVV, or banking password, do not share the information.

NPCI clearly states that a UPI PIN should never be shared with anyone, and bank customer support will not ask for it.

The RBI also advises customers not to share their PIN, OTP, password, or other critical banking information.

5. Be Extremely Careful With QR Codes

Many people believe that scanning a QR code will result in money being credited to their account. Cybercriminals can exploit this misconception.

According to NPCI, scanning a QR code and entering a UPI PIN is used to make a payment, not to receive money. Therefore, if someone says, "Scan this QR code and enter your PIN to receive a refund," stop immediately and be cautious.

6. Avoid Using Public Wi-Fi for Payments

It is better to avoid making financial transactions over open Wi-Fi networks at cafes, railway stations, malls, or other public places.

The RBI's digital banking security guidance also advises users to avoid conducting banking activities over public or unsecured networks.

For buying Rakhi, using your home Wi-Fi or mobile data is a safer option.

7. Do Not Download Unknown Apps

Sometimes, a fake website or caller may tell you to download an app to track an order, receive a refund, or claim an offer.

Do not install such an app without verifying it. The RBI has also warned about the risks posed by fake apps that may attempt to gain access to sensitive information.

8. Check Bank SMS and Transaction Alerts Immediately

After making an online payment, always check the SMS or app notification from your bank.

If you notice a transaction that you did not make, do not wait. Immediately contact your bank and take the necessary action.

The RBI advises customers to report unauthorized transactions to their bank as soon as possible.

9. Beware of Fake Customer-Care Numbers

If your online Rakhi order is stuck, your refund has not arrived, or your payment has failed, do not call just any customer-care number you find through a Google search.

Cybercriminals can use fake helpline numbers to contact victims. For assistance, use the official support option available on the relevant website or app.

What Should You Do If You Are Scammed? Do Not Waste Time

If money has been unauthorizedly deducted from your account while purchasing Rakhi online, the most important thing is not to panic and not to delay taking action.

Online financial fraud can be reported through the Government of India's National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. The official cybercrime helpline is 1930.

You should also immediately inform your bank and preserve all relevant transaction information. SMS messages, emails, screenshots, website URLs, mobile numbers, UPI IDs, and transaction IDs can be useful when filing a complaint.

National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal

The Biggest Lesson for Cybersecurity Experts: Hurry Is the Biggest Risk

A significant portion of online fraud does not happen solely because of technical vulnerabilities. In many cases, criminals exploit people's psychological reactions.

Messages such as "Make the payment now," "This offer is valid for only 10 minutes," "Your order will be cancelled," or "Tell us the OTP to receive your refund" are designed to prevent people from taking time to think.

Recent cybersecurity advisories from CERT-In have also warned users to be cautious about unknown messages, links, and requests that create pressure to act immediately. Users have also been advised to remain alert to highly convincing phishing content created using AI and impersonation attempts.

In other words, in the coming years, it may become increasingly difficult to determine whether someone is genuine or fake simply by looking at the language or design of a website.

A 30-Second Cyber Safety Check for Everyone

Before placing an online Rakhi order, ask yourself these five questions:

• Is the website URL correct?

• Is the offer unusually attractive?

• Did I open the website myself, or did I reach it through an unknown link?

• Is anyone asking me for an OTP, UPI PIN, or CVV?

• Did I verify the seller and order details before making the payment?

If the answer to any of these questions raises suspicion, it is better to stop the payment.

Don't Let One Small Mistake Ruin the Joy of the Festival

Raksha Bandhan celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, but the way people shop for the festival is rapidly changing in the digital era. From Rakhis to gifts and sweets, people increasingly order everything online.

This convenience also comes with digital risks. Therefore, when shopping online, focusing only on price, discounts, and delivery time is not enough. The credibility of the website, payment security, and protection of personal information are equally important.

The big news is not that you are getting a Rakhi at a low price. The important question is who is behind that offer.

If you are planning to buy Rakhi or gifts online before Raksha Bandhan 2026, remember these 9 precautions. Clicking on one suspicious link or sharing an OTP or UPI PIN with the wrong person can turn a few minutes of online shopping into a major financial problem.

Shop safely, use official websites, and never share banking information with anyone simply because they ask for it.