Government giving Rs 8,000 as diwali bonus? PIB responds to viral claim

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has warned citizens against fraudulent WhatsApp messages claiming that the Government of India is offering an Rs 8,000 Diwali bonus in the name of the Prime Minister. The messages direct recipients to a fake website that seeks personal information under the pretext of providing the promised benefit.

In a scam alert, PIB clarified that the claim is false and cautioned people against clicking suspicious links or sharing one-time passwords (OTPs) with unknown individuals. The bureau also urged citizens to report misleading content related to the Central Government through its Fact Check unit.

The warning follows a message circulated by the Cyber Crimes Unit Hyderabad, which was also shared by PIB. The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau has cautioned that the purported Diwali benefit is a phishing scam designed to deceive people.

How the fake Rs 8,000 Diwali bonus scam works

Fraudsters are using WhatsApp messages to claim that people can receive Rs 8,000 as a Diwali cash benefit from the Prime Minister. Recipients are asked to click on a link to access the supposed payment, which redirects them to a fraudulent website.

Such links may be used to collect personal and banking details, demand a processing fee, or trick users into authorising UPI transactions. In some cases, victims may also be persuaded to download malicious applications that could compromise their devices and information.

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What should you do if you receive the fake bonus message?

Citizens have been advised not to click on or forward the suspicious message, share OTPs or UPI PINs, or make payments to claim the alleged government benefit. People should check the authenticity of welfare schemes through official government websites before responding to any such communication.

Anyone who comes across suspicious messages or claims related to the Central Government can contact the PIB Fact Check unit through:

• Phone: +91 8799711259
• Email: factcheck@pib.gov.in

If someone loses money in a suspected cyber fraud, they should immediately inform their bank, call the national cybercrime helpline 1930, and file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in.