Online and offline retailers across the world have launched their Black Friday sales, inviting discount-hungry buyers everywhere to spend on new smartphones, laptops, tablets, and even large appliances.
Whether you are a budget-conscious student looking to exchange your worn out PC for the newest premium model, or a parent hoping to build your family’s home cinema with a sleek 70-inch OLED Smart TV, here are some security practices that all gadget lovers should keep in mind.
Try to collect your deliveries personally
Buying a high-value gadget online may not be the best idea if you spend most of the day out of your house or are unable to collect deliveries in person. In these cases, try to see if your local retailer will offer to match prices. If not, try to ensure that a trusted person is available to collect the delivery on your behalf. Avoid choosing Cash-on-Delivery as the payment mode, both for your safety as well as the security of the delivery agent.
Ensure as far as possible that high-value gadgets are handed over during the day time, or in well-lit areas covered by CCTV cameras. Never agree to meet your delivery agent at a different location than the designated delivery address. In case of any conflicts, raise complaints through the official e-commerce platform/their channels alone, and never through the delivery agent’s phone number.
In case of a large appliance that requires professional installation, make sure a certified technician sent by the company visits the address in order to complete the set-up, and not the delivery agent. It is recommended to have someone with you during the installation.
Be cautious when issuing OTPs
Customers buying gadgets from e-commerce platforms will likely have to share an OTP in order to get their product at the time of delivery. Never share OTPs with delivery agents or others who reach out to you over the phone or by text. Avoid sharing your OTP with even known acquaintances.
After you share the OTP in person and have received the ordered item, do not allow the delivery person to take it back with them, as this is a type of delivery scam that has been recorded in the past.
In case you are the victim of a scam, alert the police immediately and file a cybercrime complaint. You should also contact your bank in order to report the transaction and learn what options you have for recovering your funds, especially if you paid with a credit card.
Shoot an unboxing video
This is a crucial step for shoppers who buy high-value gadgets online. Use your smartphone to shoot a clear, coherent unboxing video in one single take that shows the e-commerce company’s branding and receipt as well as the process of you removing all gadget components from the box and confirming their condition. All product box seals should be intact and in good condition.
While shooting your video, also make sure to record the gadget’s unique model number that is usually located on the device’s body or the product box. This evidence will come in handy in case you discover that you have been sent a defective/damaged/mistakenly used product, or the wrong item entirely. Again, remember to shoot your video in a single take.
Use AI chatbots wisely
AI tools such as chatbots and browsers have made it easy to find the best deals across the world, compare prices, source coupon codes, and research technical specifications. However, such tools are still highly experimental and errors can occur. Make sure to carry out your own research before ordering a gadget online, even if you already have the AI-retrieved details. Also double-check whether you are buying your product from the e-commerce platform directly, or from a third-party seller. Read recent customer reviews for both products and sellers.
Furthermore, avoid keying in sensitive information such as your PIN and credit card numbers through AI browsers, or via AI browsing extensions, unless you are ready to take on that level of risk.
Never share your classified financial information such as credit card numbers, OTPs, PIN etc. with any shopping or customer care AI chatbots, even if they are company-owned and legitimate.
Published – November 24, 2025 02:56 pm IST
