NCCIA Warns Online Shoppers of Scams Ahead of 11.11 Sale

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has issued a public advisory warning online shoppers to stay alert against fraudulent sellers ahead of the 11.11 sale on November 11, 2026. The agency said scammers often use major shopping events to lure buyers with attractive offers and then steal their money and personal information.

In its advisory, the NCCIA urged consumers to shop only through official and trusted websites, and to verify a store's authenticity before placing any order. It also advised buyers to be wary of unusually large discounts and limited-time offers, noting that such promotions can push shoppers into making quick purchases without confirming whether a store is genuine.

To illustrate the risk, the advisory featured a mock shopping page advertising a heavily discounted product alongside a suspicious website address, showing how easily fake storefronts can imitate legitimate retailers.

The agency recommended using secure payment methods, including cards and reputable payment gateways, rather than sending advance payments to unknown sellers. It further advised shoppers to read seller reviews and examine return policies before handing over money or personal details, as these checks help assess a seller's credibility.

The warning comes as online shopping activity in Pakistan is expected to rise sharply around the 11.11 sale, a date popularised by e-commerce platforms for major discount campaigns. Authorities have repeatedly stressed that consumer awareness remains the first line of defence against online fraud.

Shoppers have been encouraged to follow the NCCIA's official channels for further cyber safety guidance and to report suspicious online stores to the agency.