‘₹8,000 Diwali Gift From PM’ Message Is a Scam: Pimpri Chinchwad Police Warn Against Clicking the Link
A viral message promising an Rs 8,000 Diwali gift from the Prime Minister is a cyber fraud trap, Pimpri Chinchwad police have warned. Do not click the link.
Photo: Océanos y dados / CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Pimpri-Chinchwad, 6th November 2026: If a WhatsApp forward tells you the Prime Minister has approved a ₹8,000 Diwali gift for every Indian and asks you to click a link to claim it, delete it. Pimpri Chinchwad police have warned that the message is a cyber fraud trap.
DCP (Crime) Rohidas Pawar urged citizens not to click on links from unknown sources and not to pay any fee to receive the so-called benefit, as reported by Punekar News. Government schemes should only be verified through official websites.
How the trap works
The message claims the cash has been approved and gives a link to “claim” it. Opening the link can lead to a fake form that asks for bank details, card numbers or OTPs, or to an app download that gives fraudsters access to your phone. Some versions ask for a small “processing fee” first. Either way, your personal and banking details end up with the fraudsters.
Simple checks before you click
- No government scheme pays money through a WhatsApp or SMS link.
- Real schemes are announced on official .gov.in websites and in newspapers.
- Never share an OTP, UPI PIN or card number with anyone, whatever the reason.
- Do not install apps sent as APK files on WhatsApp.
- If someone in your family group forwards it, tell them it is fake.
If you clicked or lost money
Call the national cybercrime helpline 1930 immediately or file a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in. The faster you report, the better the chance the bank can freeze the money. Our detailed guide on getting money back after online fraud explains each step.
Festival seasons always bring a wave of such scams. Read more Pimpri-Chinchwad news on Puneri Pages.
Frequently asked questions
Is the ₹8,000 Diwali gift from PM Modi real?
No. Pimpri Chinchwad police have said the message is a cyber fraud trap. No such scheme is paid through WhatsApp links.
What should I do if I clicked the link?
Do not enter any details. If you shared bank details or lost money, call 1930 immediately and file a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in.
How can I check if a government scheme is real?
Check the official .gov.in website of the ministry or department, or the Press Information Bureau. Never trust a forwarded link alone.
