Gujarat Police Warn Against Fake Rs 8,000 Diwali Aid Messages, Alert Over Cyber Fraud

The Gujarat Police have warned citizens against fraudulent messages claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is offering Rs 8,000 as Diwali cash assistance, cautioning that clicking on the accompanying links could result in WhatsApp account hacking and the theft of sensitive banking information.

According to the Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Branch, fraudsters are circulating these messages on social media platforms, exploiting the festive season and promises of easy money to trick people into downloading malicious applications.

The fake messages direct users to websites claiming that their mobile numbers have been selected for the purported benefit. Victims are then asked to forward the message to five WhatsApp or Telegram groups, or 20 friends, to spread the link further.

In the next step, users are asked to enter their mobile numbers, following which an eight-digit connection code appears on the screen. They are instructed to enter this code under WhatsApp's 'Linked Devices' option, allowing fraudsters to link their accounts to unauthorised devices.

The scammers subsequently persuade victims to download malicious Android application package (APK) files, supposedly to complete a PhonePe cash withdrawal or receive the promised amount. Once installed, these applications can provide hackers access to SMS messages, OTPs, banking applications and other personal data, creating a serious risk of financial losses.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber Crime) Lavina Sinha said the purported Diwali bonus was entirely fake and no such government scheme had been announced. She cautioned that fraudsters frequently exploit festivals, cricket matches, concerts and announcements of government schemes to target unsuspecting citizens. The Cyber Crime Branch advised people to verify welfare schemes through official government websites or offices and never share banking credentials, passwords or OTPs through unverified links or applications.

WhatsApp users who have unknowingly linked unauthorised devices have been advised to log them out immediately. Police also cautioned against downloading APK files from unofficial sources and urged citizens not to forward suspicious messages or click on unknown links.