New Year, New Memories Not New Frauds: Here are some Safety Tips to navigate Avurudu festivities

Avurudu is one of Sri Lanka’s busiest, most exciting times filled with shopping, gifting, travel, and fast digital payments. But while everyone’s caught up in the celebrations, scammers are also on the lookout, taking advantage of the festive rush to target people when they’re distracted or acting quickly.

From fake shopping pages and impersonation accounts to suspicious links and urgent payment requests, fraudsters design scams to catch consumers off guard. That’s why it’s crucial to stay alert and follow safe payment practices during Avurudu.

Visa reminds Sri Lankan consumers that secure payments rely not just on technology, but also on smart habits. This is also in line with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s advice to the public - not to share passwords, PINs, OTPs, or card details. Sri Lanka CERT also continues to support the public through its reporting channels and hotline 101.

So, to help consumers enjoy the season with greater confidence, here are Visa’s top 10 tips and tricks to keep the festive spirits high and by staying one step ahead of payment scams this Avurudu.

Is Offer too Good to be True? Check Again

Avurudu promotions are everywhere, which makes it easier for fake offers to blend in. If a deal seems unusually generous, heavily discounted, or designed to push you into paying immediately, take a closer look before going ahead and verify the deals with valid vendors and businesses.

Bargain Disappearing Fast? Don’t Rush, It Could Be a Scam!

The simplest trick in the book of scams is creating urgency! Scammers want people to react instantly. This usually takes the form of a message that feels urgent, an offer that’s too good to miss or there is a timer set on offers before the discount disappears in a few minutes. Taking time before making a payment can help you notice warning signs you might otherwise miss.

Shop with Known/Trusted Sellers and Platforms

Fake business pages and impersonation accounts can look very convincing and legit. Sticking to trusted websites, official pages, and verified sellers is one of the easiest ways to reduce risk when shopping online during the season.

Never Give Away the Information that Protects your Money

Passwords, PINs, OTPs, and full card details should never be shared with anyone. No legitimate bank or financial institution will ask for this information over a phone call, text, email, or social media message.

Be Suspicious of Urgency

Scam messages often use panic to get quick results. They may say your account is blocked, payment has failed, or you need to act immediately to claim a reward. Urgency is often part of the trick, so slow down and verify first.

Got a Hyperlink? Click Less and Check More

Suspicious links can arrive through SMS, WhatsApp, email, or social media. Even if a message appears to come from a familiar brand or service, it is safer to check the source carefully before clicking. If you notice differences in the spelling of the brand name compared to the URL such as an extra letter or unusual character, it’s a strong indicator the link may be fraudulent. Taking a moment to double-check can help you avoid much bigger issues.

Turn on transaction alerts

Bank alerts can act as your early warning system. They help you monitor your account in real time and spot suspicious transactions quickly, giving you a better chance to respond before further damage is done.

Do not trust appearance alone

A scam page can still look polished and professional. Familiar logos, festive artwork, and official-looking language do not guarantee that something is genuine. It is always worth verifying before you trust.

Act quickly if something feels wrong

If you notice unusual activity or suspect a scam, contact your bank or financial service provider immediately. Support is also available through Sri Lanka CERT, including hotline 101. Fast action can help reduce financial loss and protect your information.

Avurudu should be a time for celebration, connection, and peace of mind. By building a few smart habits into everyday payments, Sri Lankan consumers can enjoy the season more confidently and stay one step ahead of scammers.

About Visa Inc. Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable, and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere, and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.