Beware: Amazon, Flipkart festive sale scams could get smarter with AI shopping tools; All you need to know
As India’s biggest online sales approach, AI-powered shopping assistants could change how consumers discover deals, while banks warn about fraud, privacy and consumer protection risks during festive shopping.
- Sep 23, 2026,
- Updated Sep 23, 2026 10:51 AM IST
As India prepares for its upcoming festive shopping season, Amazon and Flipkart are getting ready for big sales. However, shoppers need to be careful when using AI to find deals. Banks are warning about risks related to AI-driven online shopping, including scams, fraud, and data privacy issues, according to a Reuters report cited by Moneycontrol.
Amazon's Great Indian Festival and Flipkart's Big Billion Days are two major sales periods when consumers typically compare deals on smartphones, laptops, TVs, appliances, fashion, and more. As AI tools become more common for finding products and comparing options, questions are arising about how these systems will work for shoppers.
Must Read: iPhone 17 price during Flipkart sale: Big Billion Days deal teased at around Rs 70,000
Why banks are concerned about AI shopping
Banks are concerned because festive sales often feature product discounts along with bank promotions, exchange offers, and no-cost EMI plans. This means the final price can depend on various conditions, not just the initial discount, so shoppers should check offers carefully before buying.
According to Reuters, banks like NatWest, Bank of America, ING, ASB Bank, Capital One, and Commonwealth Bank of Australia have noticed increased interest in AI shopping agents. However, they also point out that this technology is developing faster than industry standards and consumer protections.
What you should keep in mind
AI shopping assistants are designed to help search for products, compare options, and even complete purchases. Companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and Meta are promoting these AI tools.
Consumers should remember that it’s unclear whether AI agents will always have their best interests at heart. With many listings and promotional offers available during the festive sales, the growing use of AI in shopping adds complexity to online purchasing.
For Unparalleled coverage of India's Businesses and Economy – Subscribe to Business Today Magazine
As India prepares for its upcoming festive shopping season, Amazon and Flipkart are getting ready for big sales. However, shoppers need to be careful when using AI to find deals. Banks are warning about risks related to AI-driven online shopping, including scams, fraud, and data privacy issues, according to a Reuters report cited by Moneycontrol.
Amazon's Great Indian Festival and Flipkart's Big Billion Days are two major sales periods when consumers typically compare deals on smartphones, laptops, TVs, appliances, fashion, and more. As AI tools become more common for finding products and comparing options, questions are arising about how these systems will work for shoppers.
Must Read: iPhone 17 price during Flipkart sale: Big Billion Days deal teased at around Rs 70,000
Why banks are concerned about AI shopping
Banks are concerned because festive sales often feature product discounts along with bank promotions, exchange offers, and no-cost EMI plans. This means the final price can depend on various conditions, not just the initial discount, so shoppers should check offers carefully before buying.
According to Reuters, banks like NatWest, Bank of America, ING, ASB Bank, Capital One, and Commonwealth Bank of Australia have noticed increased interest in AI shopping agents. However, they also point out that this technology is developing faster than industry standards and consumer protections.
What you should keep in mind
AI shopping assistants are designed to help search for products, compare options, and even complete purchases. Companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and Meta are promoting these AI tools.
Consumers should remember that it’s unclear whether AI agents will always have their best interests at heart. With many listings and promotional offers available during the festive sales, the growing use of AI in shopping adds complexity to online purchasing.
For Unparalleled coverage of India's Businesses and Economy – Subscribe to Business Today Magazine