Fake ₹8,000 Diwali benefit message circulating on WhatsApp, warns TGCSB

The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) has warned people against a fraudulent WhatsApp message falsely claiming that the Union government is offering a ₹8,000 cash benefit to all Indian citizens for Diwali.

The message, circulated in the name of the Prime Minister, contains a suspicious website link and urges recipients to click on it to claim the purported benefit. The bureau cautioned that fraudsters were exploiting the festive season to make the message appear to be an official government scheme.

Clicking on such links could take users to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal and banking information, facilitate unauthorised UPI transactions or expose devices to malicious software, the TGCSB said.

The bureau advised people not to click on or forward the message and to verify claims about government cash-benefit schemes only through official government websites and verified announcements.

Citizens were cautioned against sharing one-time passwords (OTPs), UPI PINs, passwords, bank account details or other sensitive information on unverified websites. They were also advised not to pay fee or provide banking credentials to claim benefits advertised through unsolicited messages.

Those who have clicked on a suspicious link should refrain from entering any further information and take steps to secure their accounts and devices. Anyone who has lost money through an unauthorised transaction should immediately contact their bank and report the incident by calling the cyber fraud helpline 1930 or through www.cybercrime.gov.in.