Ahmedabad, November 12, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Branch has warned citizens against a fake message claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is offering Rs 8,000 in cash assistance for Diwali. Police said fraudsters are using malicious links to hijack WhatsApp and Telegram accounts and steal banking information.
According to the Cyber Crime Branch, the messages falsely claim that all Indian citizens are eligible for the benefit. Recipients are directed to fraudulent websites that ask them to share the message with five WhatsApp groups or 20 friends on WhatsApp or Telegram to claim the supposed reward.
Users are then asked to enter their mobile numbers. The website generates an eight-digit connection code and instructs them to enter it under the ‘Linked Devices’ option in WhatsApp settings. Police warned that entering the code can allow hackers to take control of the victim’s account. Fraudsters are reportedly using a similar method to access Telegram accounts.
In another part of the scam, victims are persuaded to download malicious Android application package (.apk) files, supposedly to receive the money through PhonePe or withdraw the benefit. Once installed, these applications can expose SMS messages, one-time passwords (OTPs), banking applications and other data, potentially enabling unauthorised withdrawals.
The Cyber Crime Branch clarified that the government is not offering any Rs 8,000 cash assistance through such links. It urged people not to forward suspicious messages, click on unknown links or enter connection codes at the request of unfamiliar persons or websites.
WhatsApp users who have unknowingly linked an unauthorised device should log it out immediately. Telegram users have been advised to enable Two-Step Verification, review their active sessions and remove unfamiliar devices. Police also cautioned against sharing login codes or downloading APK files from sources outside the Google Play Store.
Citizens who fall victim to the fraud or find their accounts compromised should immediately contact the National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 or register a complaint through the official cybercrime reporting website.
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