Gifts are a symbol of love, blessing, and goodwill in weddings, but in the digital world even generosity is exploited. A growing number of cybercriminals now use wedding gift scams to trick people into sending money, sharing card details, or clicking fake registry links. What feels like a kind gesture often becomes a costly mistake.
What Is a Wedding Gift Scam?
Wedding gift scams typically involve a fake message or website claiming to represent the bride and groom. The victim receives a link asking them to contribute to an online gift registry, pay for a wedding fund, or send money as a “surprise gift.” The communication often appears affectionate, polite, and sentimental — exactly what you expect around a wedding.
But instead of gifting happiness, the victim unknowingly gifts money to a scammer or exposes sensitive financial information.
How the Scam Usually Begins
Fake Gift Registry Links
The victim receives a link via email, WhatsApp, or social media asking for contributions. The website looks polished but is designed only to collect payment details.
Emotional Phrases to Lower Guard
Messages like “It would mean a lot to them” or “Let’s surprise the couple” are common emotional triggers that push people to act quickly.
False Sense of Urgency
Scammers add phrases like “Final day to contribute” or “Limited slots left,” creating pressure and reducing rational thinking.
Why Wedding Gift Scams Work
People Love to Give
Gift-giving is a warm human impulse. Scammers exploit this generosity by adding emotional context to their requests.
Trust by Association
If the scammer uses real names or references visible online, the victim may assume it is authentic.
Digital Payments Make Fraud Easy
UPI, card links, and online registries make sending money fast — but also irreversible when it lands in the wrong hands.
Consequences of Falling for This Scam
Victims may lose money, expose UPI or card details, or become targets for further fraud. If login credentials are entered, scammers may access email accounts or digital wallets. In some cases, attackers expand their reach by contacting other guests using harvested contacts.
How to Protect Yourself
Always verify before sending money
Speak directly to the couple or a close family member to confirm whether a gift registry exists.
Do not trust links blindly
Look for spelling errors, strange URLs, and payment pages asking for unnecessary details.
Avoid emotional pressure tactics
Scammers intentionally push urgency. Take a moment to think before you pay.
Final Thoughts
Wedding gift scams remind us that even generosity needs caution in a digitised world. Before contributing to any online registry or fund, verify the source, check the link, and stay alert — a few seconds of awareness can save you from a major financial loss. Download Arjuna to safeguard yourself from malicious links and fraudulent payment pages.
