The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has issued a critical warning regarding a deceptive WhatsApp message circulating widely, which falsely claims the government is offering an Rs 8,000 Diwali cash bonus in the Prime Minister's name. This alert, issued on November 2, comes after the Cyber Crimes Unit Hyderabad flagged the message as a phishing scam.
According to the PIB, the fraudulent message directs recipients to a suspicious website. This site is designed to solicit personal and financial information under the guise of providing the alleged Diwali benefit. Citizens are strongly advised against clicking on these links or sharing any one-time passwords (OTPs) with unknown individuals, as doing so could lead to significant financial losses.
How the Fake Diwali Bonus Scam Operates
Fraudsters are leveraging the festive season by sending WhatsApp messages that promise eligible citizens an Rs 8,000 Diwali cash benefit directly from the Prime Minister. These messages include links that appear to facilitate registration or claiming of the payment.
However, clicking on these links redirects users to sophisticated fraudulent websites. These sites are meticulously crafted to harvest sensitive data, including banking credentials, card details, and other confidential personal information, which can then be misused by cybercriminals. Beyond data theft, these malicious links can also trick users into sharing UPI PINs, paying bogus processing fees, or downloading harmful applications, exposing victims to unauthorized transactions, identity theft, and broader financial fraud.
What to Do If You Receive the Message
Authorities have unequivocally stated that the Rs 8,000 Diwali bonus message is fake and should not be forwarded or acted upon. Citizens are urged to:
- Avoid clicking links from unverified WhatsApp messages.
- Never share OTPs or UPI PINs with unknown senders.
- Refrain from making payments to claim any government benefits.
- Verify all government announcements about welfare schemes and financial assistance through official government websites and authorized communication channels only.
- Do not forward unverified messages, as this propagates the scam and exposes more people to phishing attempts.
Reporting Suspicious Activity
The PIB's Fact Check unit encourages citizens to report misleading claims and suspicious content related to the Central Government. You can contact them via phone at +91 8799711259 or email at factcheck@pib.gov.in.
For those who have unfortunately lost money due to a suspected cyber fraud, it is crucial to immediately inform your bank and contact the national cybercrime helpline at 1930. Complaints can also be registered through the government's dedicated cybercrime reporting portal, cybercrime.gov.in.
This warning underscores the critical need for vigilance and verification before engaging with any claims of financial benefits, especially during festive periods when such scams tend to proliferate.