From Deals to Deepfakes: 72% fear AI-driven scams this festive season, McAfee Research reveals

As India gears up for the festive shopping rush, McAfee, a global leader in online protection, warns that cybercriminals are stepping up their attacks to exploit consumer enthusiasm for festive deals. According to McAfee’s latest 2025 Festive Season Research, nearly one in three Indians have fallen victim to scams during past holiday seasons, with 37% reporting financial loss. The study highlights a sharp rise in AI-driven scams and deepfake-based frauds, revealing how technology is increasingly being weaponized to deceive unsuspecting shoppers. Alarmingly, 72% of Indians are now more concerned about AI-powered scams than they were last year, while 91% report receiving suspicious shopping-related messages. Among the most common ploys are fake “gift card wins” (49%), “limited-time deals” (40%), and “refund notifications” (27%).

With e-commerce emerging as the dominant channel for festive purchases, 77% of shoppers now prefer to use smartphones to access deals and discounts. This shift toward mobile-first ...