NCCIA Warns Shoppers on 11.11 Sale Scams
The NCCIA warns shoppers to watch for fake stores, misleading discounts and scams ahead of the 11.11 sale on November 11, 2026.
In its advisory, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) cautioned that fraudulent sellers could steal shoppers’ money and personal information. It urged the public to check stores carefully before placing orders.
The NCCIA advised consumers to shop only through official and trusted websites. It also urged buyers to treat unusually large discounts and limited-time offers with caution, since such promotions can push shoppers into buying without checking whether a store is genuine.
NCCIA warns shoppers to check sellers first
The advisory shows the risk with a mock shopping page that advertises a heavily discounted product beside a suspicious website address. The example is meant to show how a fake store can look convincing at first glance.
The agency recommended secure payment methods, including cards and reputable payment gateways. Before buying, shoppers should also read seller reviews and examine return policies. These checks can help buyers judge a seller before handing over money or personal details.
The NCCIA repeated the warning in Urdu on its official X account on Tuesday. The post told shoppers to stay careful with unknown websites and social media pages, to check a seller’s reputation and customer reviews before ordering, and not to trust unusually low prices or demands for advance payment at once.
The timing matters. The 11.11 sale is one of the busiest online shopping days of the year in Pakistan, when large platforms and small sellers alike run deep discounts. Fraudsters use the rush to set up fake stores, copy the look of real brands and advertise deals that are too good to be true.
How fake-store scams work
A fake store usually appears through an advertisement on social media or a message forwarded in a chat group. The page copies the branding of a known seller or invents a new one, lists popular products at sharp discounts and asks for advance payment. Once the money is sent, the product never arrives and the store disappears.
Some scams go further and harvest personal data. A shopper who enters card details or identity documents on a fake checkout page can lose far more than the price of one order. That is why the NCCIA’s advice focuses on the store itself, not only on the price.
Shoppers can lower the risk with a few checks. Look for a real business address and contact number, read reviews on independent sites rather than on the store’s own page, and check the return and refund policy before paying. A genuine seller will accept secure payment methods and will not insist on advance payment through a personal account.
NCCIA action against online fraud
The warning follows action by the agency against online fraud this week. The NCCIA recovered Rs3.2 million in online scams in cases reported on Tuesday. The software industry body P@SHA has also warned that NCCIA raids are sweeping up legitimate IT firms along with suspected offenders.
The 11.11 sale itself is a major event for Pakistani shoppers, with Daraz leading the discounts and clothing brands running their own offers. Clothing brands have published their 11.11 line-ups, and sale guides list where to shop and what to check before buying.
Shoppers who suspect a fake store can report it to the NCCIA, which investigates cybercrime complaints across the country. ProPakistani reported the advisory on Tuesday.
Frequently asked questions
What has the NCCIA warned about ahead of the 11.11 sale?
The agency has warned online shoppers about fake stores, misleading discounts and scams. It says fraudulent sellers could steal shoppers’ money and personal information.
When is the 11.11 sale?
The 11.11 sale takes place on November 11, 2026. It is one of the busiest online shopping days of the year in Pakistan.
How can shoppers check whether an online store is genuine?
The NCCIA advises shopping only through official and trusted websites, reading seller reviews, checking return policies and using secure payment methods such as cards and reputable payment gateways.
What should shoppers do about unusually large discounts?
They should treat them with caution. A very large discount or a limited-time offer can be a trick to push shoppers into buying without checking whether the store is real.
Where can shoppers report a suspected fake store?
Suspected fake stores and online fraud can be reported to the NCCIA, which investigates cybercrime complaints across Pakistan.
