Nowadays, everyone shops online. But cyber thieves have also proliferated. Offering huge discounts and defrauding people has become their new business. If you click on the link, your bank account will be emptied. But there's no need to worry. If you remember just three things, no one will be able to deceive you. Let's understand these three things in simple terms.

1. First check the link – Check the URL
Thieves create fake websites that look like big companies. For example, if it is Amazon's site, they will create a site named Amazon. It looks exactly the same. This is called phishing. How do you identify it? Before buying anything from any site, check its link. The link should start with https://. The 's' in it means Secure. A lock symbol should be visible in front of that link. Only then you will know that the site is safe. If you see any wrong spelling in the link, like flipkart-offer-loot instead of flipkart, then do not enter your mobile number or bank details there even by mistake. This is a 100% fraud site.

2. Don't save your card, use UPI
Many of us, in a hurry, save our debit or credit card on the app before making a payment, so it's easier next time. But this is a big mistake. If that shopping site gets hacked, thieves will have access to all your card information. So what should you do? When you make a payment, select the option called 'Tokenization'.

This hides your actual card number and creates a unique code, keeping your card safe. The best way is to pay with UPI whenever possible. Or, if it's cash on delivery, take it. That means, pay only after receiving the goods. And don't share the OTP with anyone. Banks never ask for OTP.

3. Set two locks and don't click on useless links.
Sometimes you get messages on WhatsApp or Instagram saying, "90% off, click now" or "You've got a free gift." Don't click on such links even by mistake. When you click on that link, a virus called malware enters your phone. It steals all your bank information.

PC: Navrastra