Cyber Fraud Alert | 30 October 2026
🚨 Fake Diwali WhatsApp Message Promises ₹8,000 Cash! TGCSB Issues Warning — Don't Click This Link
TGCSB warns WhatsApp users about a fake Diwali message promising ₹8,000 cash in PM Narendra Modi's name. Learn how the scam works and how to protect your bank account.
🚨 Fake Diwali Offer Goes Viral on WhatsApp
- Diwali celebrations have brought happiness to millions of families, but cybercriminals are using the festive season to target innocent people with fake cash offers.
- The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) has issued a serious warning about a fraudulent WhatsApp message claiming that the Central Government is offering ₹8,000 as a Diwali cash benefit to every Indian citizen.
- The message is being circulated in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and encourages people to click on a suspicious website link to claim the money.
- However, this is a fake offer and not an official government scheme. Authorities have warned that clicking the link could expose users to financial fraud and personal data theft.
The warning is especially important because many people may believe the message is genuine and share it with their friends, family members and WhatsApp groups.
📱 How Does the ₹8,000 Diwali WhatsApp Scam Work?
The fraudsters use a simple trick: they promise free money during the festive season. The message creates an impression that the government has launched a special Diwali financial assistance scheme. Recipients are asked to open a link and complete a process to receive the promised ₹8,000.
🔸 A WhatsApp message claims that everyone is eligible for ₹8,000.
🔸 It uses the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to appear genuine.
🔸 Users are encouraged to click on an unknown website link.
🔸 The website may ask for Aadhaar, bank account or personal information.
🔸 Some fraudulent pages may attempt to enable unauthorised UPI transactions or install malicious software.
The main objective is to trick users into sharing sensitive information or giving fraudsters access to their money.
⚠️ What Has TGCSB Said About This Fake Offer?
The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau has advised citizens not to believe, click on or forward these messages. TGCSB Director Shikha Goel warned that cybercriminals are exploiting the festive season to make fraudulent offers look like genuine government announcements. The bureau has specifically advised people to:
🔸 Avoid clicking suspicious WhatsApp links.
🔸 Never share OTPs or UPI PINs.
🔸 Do not enter bank details on unknown websites.
🔸 Never pay a registration fee to claim a free government benefit.
🔸 Verify government announcements through official websites.
🔸 Avoid forwarding unverified messages to friends and family.
The bureau has also advised people to follow a simple safety principle: PAUSE, THINK, VERIFY.
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🔍 How to Identify a Fake Government WhatsApp Message
Not every message that looks official is genuine. Cybercriminals often copy government logos, photographs, names and official-looking designs to make their messages appear trustworthy.
Here are some warning signs to watch for.
🔸 Unbelievable cash offers: Messages promising free money without a clear official announcement should raise suspicion.
🔸 Unknown website links: Be careful with links received from unknown numbers or WhatsApp groups.
🔸 Urgent registration: Fraudsters may create pressure by claiming that the offer will expire soon.
🔸 Personal information requests: Government benefits should not require you to share your UPI PIN or OTP through an unknown website.
🔸 Forwarding requests: Messages asking you to forward an offer to multiple contacts may be designed to spread the scam.
Always remember that a government leader's photograph or name does not prove that an offer is genuine.
🏛️ How to Verify Genuine Government Schemes
Before believing any government cash-benefit announcement, check its authenticity.
You can use these official sources:
🔸 PIB: Press Information Bureau — Check official government announcements and fact checks.
🔸 MyGov: MyGov India — Find information about government initiatives.
🔸 National Cyber Crime Portal: Cyber Crime Reporting Portal — Report online fraud and cybercrime.
Do not trust a scheme simply because someone shared it in a family WhatsApp group.
🔐 What Should You Do If You Have Already Clicked the Link?
If you have accidentally opened the suspicious website, don't panic. But take immediate precautions.
🔸 Do not enter any more personal or banking information.
🔸 Do not share OTPs, passwords or UPI PINs.
🔸 If you downloaded an unknown application or file, avoid opening it and seek help to secure your device.
🔸 If you entered banking credentials, contact your bank immediately and ask about securing your account.
🔸 Change compromised passwords and review recent account activity.
🔸 Watch for unauthorised transactions and suspicious notifications.
Simply opening a link does not necessarily mean your bank account has been compromised. However, entering sensitive information or installing malicious software can increase the risk.
🚨 Lost Money Through This Scam? Call 1930 Immediately
If money has been stolen from your bank account through cyber fraud, quick action is extremely important.
The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau has advised victims to:
🔸 Immediately contact their bank and report the unauthorised transaction.
🔸 Call the national cybercrime helpline 1930.
🔸 File a complaint through www.cybercrime.gov.in.
🔸 Keep transaction details, screenshots and other available evidence.
Reporting the incident quickly can help authorities and banks take steps to respond to the fraud.
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👨👩👧 Why You Should Warn Your Family Members
Many cyber fraud victims are people who are not familiar with online scams.
Senior citizens, first-time smartphone users and people who frequently use WhatsApp for information can be particularly vulnerable to convincing fake offers.
Take a few minutes to inform your family.
🔸 Tell parents and grandparents not to click unknown festive offer links.
🔸 Ask family members to verify government schemes before sharing them.
🔸 Never share OTPs, UPI PINs or banking passwords with anyone.
🔸 Report suspicious messages instead of forwarding them.
🔸 Explain that free cash offers circulating on WhatsApp may be fraudulent.
A small conversation today could prevent a major financial loss tomorrow.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Don't Let a Fake ₹8,000 Offer Empty Your Bank Account!
The fake Diwali WhatsApp message promising ₹8,000 is a reminder that cybercriminals are becoming increasingly creative. They use popular festivals, government names and attractive financial offers to gain people's trust. The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau has clearly warned citizens against clicking or forwarding this fraudulent message.
Remember these simple rules:
🔸 Free money messages are not automatically genuine.
🔸 Never share OTPs or UPI PINs.
🔸 Verify government schemes through official websites.
🔸 Never pay fees to claim suspicious benefits.
🔸 Report cyber fraud immediately through 1930.
🛡️ This Diwali, celebrate safely and protect your hard-earned money.
Pause. Think. Verify. Stay Cyber Safe!
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