New Delhi: A fraudulent message is circulating on social media using Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s image, falsely claiming that he will provide Rs 8,000 as financial assistance to every citizen of the country as part of the Diwali celebrations. The message alleges that the central government has announced a special Diwali gift scheme and instructs recipients to click on the link provided to avail the benefit.
Authorities have clarified that no such scheme exists and warned that the message is part of a cyber fraud. The false message claims that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved a project to grant Rs 8,000 to every citizen, urging people to register through the link included. To add credibility, the message contains statements such as, "I have already received my Rs 8,000 benefit, you should apply soon too."
The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau cautioned that cyber criminals exploit public interest in government benefits and gifts announced during festival seasons to execute such scams. The aim of the fraudsters is to deceive ordinary citizens into fake websites by creating a pretense that these are official central government schemes. Similar fake messages have been widely circulated during previous major festivals including Diwali.
Cybersecurity experts warn that opening the links spread with these messages could lead to severe financial losses. These links typically direct users to counterfeit websites resembling government portals where personal information such as Aadhaar numbers, mobile numbers, bank account details, debit card information, and OTPs may be requested. Fraudsters intend to use such data to conduct unauthorized transactions on victims’ bank accounts.
Furthermore, some fake websites may prompt users to download malicious applications, which could result in theft of mobile data or unauthorized device access. However, merely clicking on a link does not always lead to loss of bank funds. Providing personal details, sharing OTPs, or installing suspicious applications, however, poses serious financial risks.
Officials advised the public to verify the authenticity of any financial benefit promises received via unfamiliar mobile numbers, WhatsApp groups, or other social media channels before trusting them. A message should not be deemed official solely due to inclusion of photographs of the Prime Minister or other senior leaders.
Information regarding government schemes is to be confirmed only through official websites of concerned departments and authorized government notifications. Users must refrain from clicking on suspicious links or forwarding them to friends and relatives. Sensitive details like Aadhaar information, bank account numbers, ATM card details, passwords, and OTPs must never be entered on unverified websites.
If anyone falls victim to these scams and suffers financial loss from their bank account, they should immediately inform their bank. Complaints can also be lodged by calling the National Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 or via the official portal www.cybercrime.gov.in. Prompt reporting increases the chances of blocking fraudulent fund transfers.
Cybersecurity authorities have issued a warning not to share personal information or bank details believing the Rs 8,000 Diwali gift offer circulated in such fake messages and urged the public to avoid spreading these fraudulent messages.
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Original Malayalam report: Malayalam Daily News
