TGCSB Warns People 'Fake Diwali WhatsApp message offers Rs 8K'

The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) has cautioned people against a fake WhatsApp message promising Rs 8,000 cash benefit in the name of Diwali, warning that cybercriminals could use the festive offer to cheat unsuspecting recipients.

In an advisory, TGCSB Director Shikha Goel said the message was designed to mislead people by exploiting the festive season and creating the impression of an official government scheme. The message,



circulated in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urges recipients to click on a link to claim the purported benefit.

Officials warned that clicking on the link could redirect users to fraudulent websites seeking sensitive information such as Aadhaar details, bank account numbers and other personal credentials. “The links could also facilitate unauthorised UPI transactions or expose mobile phones to malicious software,” they said.