Diwali Bonus Scam: Government warns against fake Rs 8,000 cash gift in PM's name; WhatsApp users alerted

Diwali Bonus Scam: The Government of India has warned people against a fraudulent WhatsApp message claiming that citizens are being offered Rs 8,000 as a Diwali bonus in the name of the Prime Minister. The Press Information Bureau's (PIB) Fact Check unit has clarified that the message is fake and cautioned people against clicking suspicious links or sharing personal information.

According to PIB Fact Check, the fraudulent message circulating on WhatsApp falsely claims that the government is distributing Rs 8,000 as a Diwali bonus. The message directs recipients to a fake website designed to collect personal information.

The fact-checking agency warned that such phishing scams could result in financial losses and urged people not to share one-time passwords (OTPs) with unknown individuals.

How does the Rs 8,000 Diwali bonus scam work?

Fraudsters are circulating WhatsApp messages promising an Rs 8,000 Diwali cash benefit purportedly from the Prime Minister. The messages encourage recipients to click a link to claim the supposed benefit.

The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau has also warned that the message is fraudulent.

According to the cybercrime warning, the suspicious link may redirect users to a fake website designed to obtain personal or banking details. Fraudsters may also demand a processing fee, trick users into approving UPI transactions or encourage them to install harmful applications.

What has PIB Fact Check said?

PIB Fact Check has warned that the viral WhatsApp message is fraudulent and that the government is not offering the claimed Rs 8,000 Diwali bonus.

It has advised people to remain cautious about phishing attempts that could lead to financial losses.

The agency has also urged citizens not to click suspicious links or disclose OTPs to unknown individuals.

How to protect yourself from the Diwali bonus scam

People receiving such messages should avoid clicking or forwarding suspicious links. They should not disclose OTPs, UPI PINs or banking credentials, or make payments to claim an alleged government benefit.

Citizens should verify claims about government schemes through official government websites rather than links circulated on messaging platforms.

Where to report fraudulent messages?

PIB Fact Check has encouraged citizens to report suspicious content involving the Central Government through the following channels:

People who have lost money to cyber fraud should immediately contact their bank, call the national cybercrime helpline at 1930, and register a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in.

The warning comes as fraudsters exploit festive-season offers and purported government benefits to lure unsuspecting users into phishing scams.