Festive sales are the perfect time to shop for clothes, electronics, gifts and everything else on your wishlist. With attractive discounts, cashback offers and limited-period deals, it is easy to get carried away while shopping.

But not every offer is as good as it looks.

In the rush to grab a bargain, shoppers may overlook fake websites, unreliable sellers and suspicious payment links. One wrong click or careless transaction could turn a good deal into a financial loss.

Whether you are paying through UPI, a debit card or a credit card, a few simple precautions can help keep your money safe.

Here are five things to keep in mind before completing an online purchase.

1. Check if the Shopping Website Is Genuine

Before entering your payment details, make sure you are shopping on the official website or app.

Fraudsters often create fake websites that look almost identical to popular shopping platforms. Sometimes, the only difference is a small spelling mistake or an unusual website address.

Instead of clicking on random links received through messages, emails or social media, visit the official website directly or use the brand’s verified app.

Also, remember that the padlock symbol or ‘HTTPS’ in a website address does not automatically mean the website is genuine. It only indicates that the connection is encrypted.

2. Verify the Seller Before Placing an Order

A product being sold at an unusually low price can be tempting, especially during festive sales. However, it is important to check who you are buying it from.

Before placing an order, look at customer reviews, seller ratings, return policies and refund conditions. Check whether the seller has proper contact details and customer support.

Be careful if someone asks you to make a payment outside the shopping platform, transfer money directly to a personal bank account or complete the purchase through a messaging app.

Such requests can be warning signs of fraud. If something goes wrong, getting your money back may become much more difficult.

3. Double-Check Payment Details Before Approving

Even when you use a familiar payment method, always verify the transaction before confirming it.

For UPI payments, check the recipient’s name and the amount displayed on your screen. Remember, you do not need to enter your UPI PIN to receive money.

If you are paying through a debit or credit card, verify the transaction amount before entering your OTP or approving the payment. Avoid saving your card details on unfamiliar websites.

Some payment security features also help reduce risks. For example, card tokenisation replaces actual card details with a digital token, helping protect sensitive information during transactions.

However, technology alone cannot prevent every fraud. Checking the payment details yourself is still important.

4. Don’t Fall for Deals That Look Too Good to Be True

Flash sales, countdown timers and massive discounts often create a sense of urgency. They make shoppers feel that they need to buy something immediately before the offer disappears.

While many festive offers are genuine, scammers also use these tactics to trick people into clicking suspicious links or sharing financial information.

Before making a purchase, compare prices across trusted shopping platforms. Check whether the offer is mentioned on the brand’s official website or app.

Also, look at the final bill. Delivery fees, taxes and additional charges can sometimes make a seemingly attractive deal much more expensive.

Be particularly cautious of offers asking you to pay money upfront to receive cashback, claim a reward or win a prize.

5. Never Share Your OTP, UPI PIN or Banking Password

Your OTP, UPI PIN and banking passwords are private. Never share them with anyone, even if the person claims to be calling from your bank, a payment company or a shopping platform.

Fraudsters may pretend that a payment has failed, a refund is pending or your account needs verification. They may then ask you to share an OTP or approve a payment request.

Instead of responding to such calls or messages, contact your bank or the shopping platform through its official customer support channels.

If you receive an OTP or payment approval request for a transaction you did not initiate, do not approve it.

What Should You Do If You Suspect Online Payment Fraud?

Being careful before making a payment is important, but keeping track of your transactions afterwards matters too.

Check your bank statements and payment notifications regularly, especially during festive sales when you may be making several purchases.

If you notice an unauthorised transaction, contact your bank immediately and request that the affected card or payment facility be blocked, if required.

You can also report suspected cyber financial fraud through India’s National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 or the official website cybercrime.gov.in.

A Good Deal Shouldn’t Come at the Cost of Your Money

Festive shopping should be about enjoying the season, not worrying about losing money to online scams.

A little caution before clicking on a link, choosing a seller or approving a payment can make a big difference.

So, before you hit that ‘Buy Now’ button, take a moment to check. Because saving money on a purchase only matters when your money is safe in the first place.

Source: MoneyControl

Gold prices remained largely unchanged on October 29 after the US Federal Reserve decided to keep interest rates steady. Investors are now turning their attention to fresh US inflation data, which could offer clues about the central bank’s next move and influence the direction of gold prices.

International gold prices briefly climbed to nearly $4,076 per ounce during early trading on October 29. However, the gains did not last long, with prices settling just above $4,040 per ounce, marking a decline of around 0.67% over the previous 24 hours. US gold futures remained relatively stable at around $4,052.10 per ounce.

In India, gold prices followed a similar trend. Gold futures on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) for December 4 delivery were trading marginally lower at Rs 1,43,573 per 10 grams. MCX spot gold had closed the previous session at Rs 1,42,253 per 10 grams on October 28. Silver prices, meanwhile, settled at Rs 1,93,477 per kg.

Why the US Federal Reserve’s Decision Matters for Gold

On October 28, the US Federal Reserve decided to maintain its benchmark interest rates in the range of 3.75% to 4%, instead of making another change. The decision offered some support to gold after recent selling pressure in the market.

However, the decision has not completely removed uncertainty. While most policymakers supported keeping rates unchanged, two officials favoured increasing them, indicating that the possibility of further rate hikes remains.

Interest rates play an important role in determining gold’s attractiveness as an investment. Gold does not generate regular income through interest or dividends. Therefore, when interest rates rise, investors may prefer interest-bearing assets such as bonds and deposits.

On the other hand, when interest rates remain steady or move lower, gold can become relatively more attractive as an investment option.

US Inflation Data Could Decide Gold’s Next Move

Investors are now closely tracking the US Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation data. This is one of the key inflation measures monitored by the Federal Reserve while deciding its monetary policy.

The latest inflation figures could help investors understand whether price pressures in the US economy are easing or remaining high. If inflation stays elevated, the central bank may consider keeping interest rates higher for longer or raising them further.

Apart from inflation, movements in the US dollar and US Treasury yields will also influence gold prices. A stronger dollar can make gold more expensive for buyers using other currencies, potentially reducing demand. Higher bond yields can also make gold less attractive compared with investments that offer returns.

What Should Indian Gold Investors Watch?

According to Vikram Subburaj, CEO of Giottus, gold and silver futures in India continue to experience volatility as investors assess the Federal Reserve’s decision and wait for fresh inflation data. Neither metal has shown a clear recovery trend yet.

He noted that gold needs to stay above Rs 1,43,321 per 10 grams to avoid further downward pressure. A sustained rise above Rs 1,44,343 could strengthen the possibility of a recovery.

For silver, the important level to watch is Rs 1,94,000 per kg. A move above Rs 1,96,550 could indicate improving market momentum.

Nischal Shetty, founder of WazirX, also highlighted that the Federal Reserve’s decision to maintain interest rates reduced the immediate possibility of tighter financial conditions in the US. However, differences among policymakers and interest rate decisions in other countries show that global monetary policy remains uncertain.

For now, gold prices are likely to react to fresh inflation numbers, currency movements and expectations around future interest rate decisions.

For Indian investors, this means keeping an eye on domestic gold prices and global developments rather than making decisions based on short-term price movements alone.

Source: MoneyControl

A lower expense ratio may not look like much today, but over the years, it could make a difference of several lakhs to your mutual fund investments.

When investing in mutual funds, most people focus on how much they invest and how much their money could grow. But there is another factor that deserves attention: the cost of investing.

From November 1, 2026, direct mutual fund plans will become the default option on asset management companies’ (AMCs) digital platforms, according to Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey. Investors who choose regular plans will also be informed about their higher expense ratios.

The move aims to make investment costs more visible and help people make informed decisions. But what does this mean for someone investing ₹10,000 every month through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)?

Direct vs Regular Mutual Funds: What Is the Difference?

Direct and regular plans invest in the same mutual fund scheme. They have the same fund manager and invest in the same underlying portfolio. The main difference lies in how investors access them and the costs they pay.

Direct plans: Investors purchase these plans directly from the mutual fund company, without going through a distributor. Since distributor commissions are not included, these plans generally have lower expense ratios.

Regular plans: Investors purchase these plans through distributors or intermediaries. The cost of distribution is reflected in their expenses, which generally makes their expense ratios higher than those of direct plans.

An expense ratio is the annual cost of managing a mutual fund, expressed as a percentage of its assets. This cost is deducted from the fund’s assets and is reflected in its Net Asset Value (NAV), affecting the returns investors ultimately receive.

Although the difference in expenses may appear small, it can have a meaningful impact when investments are held for several years.

How Much Could You Save on a ₹10,000 Monthly SIP?

Consider a hypothetical example in which an investor puts ₹10,000 into a mutual fund every month and earns an annual return of 12% before base expenses.

An illustration using the Groww Large Cap Fund shows how the difference in expenses between its direct and regular plans could affect the final investment value over 20 years.

Particulars	Direct Plan	Regular Plan
Monthly SIP	₹10,000	₹10,000
Investment period	20 years	20 years
Total amount invested	₹24 lakh	₹24 lakh
Illustrative final value	₹84.53 lakh	₹75.06 lakh

Under these assumptions, the direct plan could accumulate approximately ₹9.47 lakh more than the regular plan.

The difference comes from the assumed gap in base expenses, which affects how much of the fund’s returns remains invested. Over time, even a relatively small cost difference can compound into a much larger amount.

These figures are illustrative, not guaranteed. Actual returns will depend on market performance, the fund’s total expenses and other factors.

Why Do Lower Expenses Matter Over the Long Term?

Mutual fund expenses can affect returns year after year. When costs are lower, more of the fund’s returns remain available to contribute to an investor’s overall wealth.

The impact becomes more noticeable over longer periods because investments have more time to compound. This is why investors should look beyond a fund’s past performance and consider its expense ratio as well.

However, a lower expense ratio does not automatically mean that a fund is the right choice for every investor. The scheme’s investment strategy, risk level and suitability for an individual’s financial goals also matter.

Should You Always Choose a Direct Plan?

Direct plans can be suitable for investors who are comfortable researching mutual funds, selecting schemes and managing their portfolios independently.

Regular plans, on the other hand, may suit investors who value assistance from a distributor when choosing investments and reviewing their portfolios. The higher cost may be worth considering alongside the guidance and services received.

SEBI’s announcement does not mean regular plans are being discontinued. Investors will still be able to choose them, but they must be informed about their higher expense ratios.

The change also does not mean existing regular-plan investments or SIPs will automatically become direct plans. Investors should check their current investments and understand the implications before making any changes.

What Should Mutual Fund Investors Keep in Mind?

Before starting a SIP, compare the direct and regular versions of a scheme and understand the costs associated with each. Also consider whether you need professional assistance with fund selection and portfolio management.

Expense ratios are only one part of the total cost of investing, and the base expense figures used in an illustration may not capture every cost. Market-linked investments also carry risk, and actual returns may differ significantly from assumed returns.

Ultimately, the goal is not simply to choose the cheapest option. It is to understand what you are paying for, what support you need and how your investment fits into your long-term financial plans.

A small difference in costs today can add up over time. Knowing where your money goes is an important step towards making better investment decisions.

Source: MoneyControl