Diwali Bonus Scam Alert: Fake ₹8,000 Message Spreads on WhatsApp

A new scam exploiting Diwali festivities is circulating rapidly across WhatsApp, with fraudsters claiming to offer ₹8,000 bonus payments to users. The Press Information Bureau has categorically identified the message as fake, cautioning the public against engaging with the scheme.

The viral message attempts to lure unsuspecting users by promising cash rewards timed with the Diwali festival, a period when Indians are typically in a celebratory and potentially vulnerable mindset. Cybersecurity experts warn that clicking links embedded in such messages can lead to data theft, financial fraud, or malware infection on devices.

Authorities recommend that recipients of such messages refrain from clicking any hyperlinks or providing personal information, including bank details, Aadhaar numbers, or OTPs. Users are advised to delete suspicious messages immediately and report them through WhatsApp's built-in reporting feature.

To protect earnings during the festive season, citizens should verify offers through official government channels and recognized financial institutions. Any legitimate bonus schemes would be announced through verified official platforms rather than unsolicited WhatsApp messages, officials noted. Those who have already engaged with such links should monitor their financial accounts closely and consider notifying their banks immediately.