Gujarat: Cybercriminals are exploiting Diwali festivities by circulating fraudulent messages claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is offering Rs 8,000 in cash assistance to citizens. Gujarat Police have warned people against clicking on suspicious links, which could allow scammers to hijack WhatsApp accounts and access sensitive banking information.
According to the Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Branch, victims are redirected to imitation websites after clicking on links promising the purported festive benefit. The websites ask users to share the message with five WhatsApp or Telegram groups or 20 contacts before entering their mobile numbers to claim the money.
The process then generates an eight-digit code, which victims are instructed to enter under WhatsApp’s ‘Linked Devices’ section. This enables fraudsters to connect their own devices to the victim’s account and gain unauthorised access.
Police further warned that scammers may persuade users to download malicious Android application package (APK) files disguised as payment or cash withdrawal applications. Installing these files could expose SMS messages, one-time passwords (OTPs), banking applications and other personal information, potentially resulting in financial losses.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber Crime) Lavina Sinha clarified that no such Diwali assistance scheme has been announced by the government. She cautioned that fraudsters frequently exploit festivals, sporting events and government announcements to deceive unsuspecting citizens.
Authorities have advised people to verify welfare schemes through official government channels and avoid sharing banking credentials or OTPs through unknown links. Anyone who has linked an unauthorised device to WhatsApp should immediately remove it. Telegram users should also review active sessions and enable two-step verification.
