Are You Getting A WhatsApp Message Offering Rs 8,000 For Diwali? PIB Cautions Users

The Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) Fact Check unit has cautioned people against a WhatsApp message falsely claiming that the Government of India is offering Rs 8,000 as a Diwali bonus in the name of the Prime Minister. The message directs recipients to a website to claim the amount.

What Has PIB Said About The Rs 8,000 Diwali Bonus Message?

In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), PIB Fact Check clarified that the message was fraudulent and that the linked website seeks users’ personal information.

PIB Fact Check stated, “A fraudulent message is circulating on WhatsApp falsely claiming that the Government of India is providing Rs 8000/- as Diwali bonus under the name of the Prime Minister. The message leads to a fake website seeking personal information.”

The Hyderabad Cyber Crime Unit has also cautioned people against the fake Diwali benefit message in a separate social media post. Its advisory highlighted additional ways in which the scam could cause financial losses.

According to the post, the link may lead to a fake website that collects personal and banking details, demands a processing fee, tricks users into approving UPI payments or encourages them to install a harmful application.

How Can People Stay Safe From The Fake Diwali Message?

PIB Fact Check has advised people not to click on suspicious links or share OTPs with unknown people. It has also asked them to report suspicious content related to the Central Government through its WhatsApp number, +91 8799711259, or email address, factcheck@pib.gov.in.

The Hyderabad Cyber Crime Unit also advised people to take precautions, stating, “Don’t click or forward the message, share OTPs or UPI PINs, or pay money to receive a benefit.”

It further advised people to verify schemes through official government websites. If money is lost, they should immediately contact their bank, call 1930 and report the incident at cybercrime.gov.in.

The advisories come as a reminder to verify claims of government benefits through official sources rather than relying on messages circulated on WhatsApp. People should exercise caution before acting on links promising cash payments in the name of government schemes.