Fraudsters can take control of your Flipkart account through stolen credentials. This is called account takeover. Once in, they can make unauthorized purchases, conduct transactions, and redeem SuperCoins.

There has been a constant increase in account takeover cases lately. However, minimizing the odds of an account takeover is easy. You can keep your Flipkart account secure with a few good online habits.

Here are 7 ways to prevent and deal with an account takeover

1. Avoid malicious websites and apps

Fraudsters often create convincing fake websites and apps that look like Flipkart. In this way, they try to trick you into sharing your login information. However, there are clear warning signs to look out for:

The discounts are unreal, such as 98% off on iPhone 17 Pro
The website uses a suspicious domain with slight variations, missing letters, or extra words that may make it look like Flipkart
The website URL does not end with “Flipkart.com”
No padlock option (not using HTTPS, which means the site is not secure) ● The website asks you to make a payment directly to a personal bank account, personal UPI ID, or through an external QR code
You receive a malicious Android APK outside the Play Store, such as through WhatsApp or Telegram – these apps can steal banking credentials, OTPs, contacts, and other personal data

2. Do not entertain suspicious messages

Phishing attempts may come your way via email, SMS, or social media. They promise offers or discounts that may be accessed through links. These links may lead to downloads of malicious software that works in the background to steal your data.

Fraudsters may also create fake Flipkart social media handles on platforms such as X, WhatsApp, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. These accounts may use fake offers to collect payments or steal personal information.

Refrain from clicking unfamiliar links. Also, always access Flipkart directly through the official website or app. Check social media handles carefully and avoid accounts with slight misspellings, random numbers, or other suspicious variations. Be responsible and report fake Flipkart messages, websites, and apps to protect others.

3. Never provide your account details via call

Fake calls are the primary method fraudsters use for account takeover. They may pose as ‘helpers’ to assist with purchases or account security. Official Flipkart representatives will never ask you for personal login details, including email IDs, passwords, or OTPs, over a call. Genuine customer service representatives will not require your OTP, account password, or credit card CVV.

4. Change your passwords regularly to prevent account takeover

It is possible that you visited a malicious website in the past. Similarly, fraudsters may shop for credentials on the dark web and have access to your login details partially.

Regularly changing your passwords ensures that any compromised data that they may have become outdated. Flipkart also offers you the option to change the email ID linked to your account.

You may like to shop at different online stores, and it is best to use different passwords on each of them. This way, your Flipkart account is protected from an account takeover even if there is a data breach on another company’s database.

6. Watch out for suspicious activity on your accounts

Once fraudsters take over an account, they may try to lock you out by changing your password. Most websites, including Flipkart, require an OTP for password changes. Flipkart uses machine learning models to detect unusual account activity, suspicious login attempts, and abnormal transaction patterns in real time. The app may also show real-time warnings when suspicious activity is detected on your account.

7. When in doubt, contact customer care

If you think you are a victim of an account takeover, get in touch with Flipkart. Immediate reporting helps companies prevent unauthorized transactions. You can also access the Flipkart Help Center through the app or website if you need support with your account. You will also be advised to:

Change your passwords
Log out of all accounts and log back in

Other ways to prevent account takeover

You can also ensure the security of your account by preventing unauthorized access through other ways, such as:

Limiting the number of login attempts
Avoid storing passwords in your browser, especially if you use a shared computer

Statistics show that elderly internet users are in a high-risk category. You may want to shop online with a younger and well-informed family member whom you trust if you are a senior shopper.

With a few simple actions and consistent awareness, you can keep your Flipkart account secure. Be alert to enjoy a great shopping experience every time you visit Flipkart!