Big discounts bring big risks during Republic Day Sale

Republic Day Sale 2026 is live on leading e-commerce platforms, drawing massive attention from online shoppers. Popular marketplaces are offering attractive deals on smartphones, laptops, TVs, fashion items, and home appliances. Discounts on premium devices like iPhone and Samsung Galaxy smartphones, along with budget mobiles, have encouraged millions of users to shop online.

However, while these festive sales create exciting buying opportunities, they also mark one of the most active periods for online fraud. Cyber experts warn that Republic Day Sale is considered a high-risk season for digital scams, as fraudsters take advantage of increased online traffic and consumer urgency.

Why online fraud increases during sale season

Prime-only deals, bank discounts, cashback offers, and easy EMI options push users to make quick purchase decisions. Scammers exploit this rush through fake websites, phishing emails, fraudulent social media ads, and payment-related scams.

Fake shopping links on social media platforms, lookalike websites mimicking popular marketplaces, and deceptive messages promising unbelievable discounts are among the most common fraud methods during sale periods. Cybercriminals aim to steal card details, login credentials, or OTPs, resulting in financial losses for unsuspecting buyers.

Is cyber insurance becoming essential for shoppers?

According to industry experts, cyber insurance is emerging as an important layer of protection for digital users. Insurance professionals point out that during large-scale sales, fraudsters launch targeted phishing attacks and payment scams, making cyber insurance a financial safety net for individuals.

Cyber insurance policies are designed to protect users from financial losses arising due to online risks. These include unauthorized transactions, identity theft, phishing attacks, cyber extortion, and data breaches.

How cyber insurance compensates losses

If a user’s debit or credit card details are stolen and misused for unauthorized purchases or money transfers, cyber insurance can help recover the loss, subject to policy terms and conditions. Some policies also cover legal expenses, account recovery costs, and professional assistance in restoring digital identity.

This type of insurance not only provides financial relief but also reduces stress during incidents of online fraud, which are becoming increasingly sophisticated with the use of artificial intelligence and realistic fake platforms.

When cyber insurance does not apply

Experts clarify that cyber insurance does not cover losses caused by personal negligence. For example, if a user knowingly shares OTPs, PINs, or passwords, or ignores clear warning signs while approving suspicious transactions, the claim may be rejected.

Similarly, voluntarily clicking on fraudulent links despite repeated alerts or sharing confidential details over fake calls or messages falls outside policy coverage. Hence, cyber insurance works best when combined with responsible online behavior.

What to do if you suspect fraud

If any suspicious activity is detected, users should immediately inform their bank to block cards and prevent further damage. Filing a complaint on the official cybercrime portal or reporting the matter to the nearest police station is also crucial.

Insurance providers usually require incidents to be reported within a fixed time frame, often between 24 and 48 hours, to process claims smoothly.

Simple tips to avoid online fraud

To stay safe during Republic Day Sale 2026, users should follow basic digital safety practices:

• Avoid making payments on public Wi-Fi networks

• Check the website URL carefully before entering details

• Do not click on unknown links or social media offers

• Use strong and unique passwords

• Keep devices and apps updated

• Enable multi-factor authentication

Smart card usage advice

Financial experts suggest keeping credit card limits low and increasing them temporarily only when needed. International transactions should be disabled when not required. This approach minimizes risk and limits potential losses in case of fraud.