Festive online scams are rising as cyber criminals target shoppers with fake portals and links. India’s financial cyber fraud system handled over 32.80 lakh complaints, saving ₹11,158 crore. Meanwhile, tech fans are testing the new Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Fitbit Air, while buyers line up for the iPhone Duo.
Festive sales bring tempting discounts across every major e-commerce platform, but they also create the ideal hunting ground for cyber syndicates targeting hurried shoppers. In this edition of Tech Today, Cyrus breaks down the anatomy of festive digital shopping fraud and how to protect your money. We also pit Google's screenless Fitbit Air against the powerhouse Apple Watch Ultra 4 to settle the smartwatch debate, and head on the ground to speak with buyers lining up for Apple's first foldable, the iPhone Duo.
Big Tech Story: With over 32.80 lakh complaints handled by India's financial cyber fraud reporting system and more than ₹11,158 crore saved from being siphoned off, festive online scams have evolved far beyond obvious phishing emails. Scammers now run cloned e-commerce portals impersonating major brands on social media, push fake WhatsApp reward programs, and send deceptive parcel delivery links demanding small fee updates to siphon bank accounts. We break down the golden safety rules: demanding open-box Cash on Delivery, verifying UPI recipient IDs before sending money, never entering a UPI PIN to receive cash, and acting immediately by dialing 1930 or filing a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in if you fall victim.
In our tech comparison, we explore the identity crisis facing modern wrist wearables by testing two completely opposite philosophies: the ₹1.1 lakh Apple Watch Ultra 4 and the ₹14,000 screenless Google Fitbit Air. The Ultra 4 is a full-fledged wrist computer packed with a bright display, advanced dual-frequency GPS, on-wrist calling, and real-time workout metrics, but its bulky 49mm titanium chassis can feel cumbersome to wear to bed. In contrast, the screenless Fitbit Air functions like an unobtrusive nylon band that tracks sleep, heart rate, and recovery quietly in the background without notifications interrupting your day, pairing with Google's Gemini-driven health insights. We evaluate which wearable fits your fitness lifestyle and whether you truly need another screen on your wrist.
Finally, we head to Apple retail stores to capture customer energy and reactions as the all-new iPhone Duo officially goes on sale in India. We talk to early adopters picking up Apple's most radical new form factor to understand what features got them excited, how they justify the premium pricing, and what they expect from Apple's debut foldable.
Have you ever encountered a fake discount link or delivery scam during online festive sales? Would you prefer an unobtrusive screenless tracker like the Fitbit Air over a full smartwatch? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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