Fake ₹8,000 Diwali Bonus Message Targets Indians With Malicious APK Links; Ahmedabad Cyber Cell Issues Alert
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
A fake message promising an ₹8,000 Diwali bonus under a purported Prime Minister’s scheme is being circulated across several states, with cybercriminals allegedly using malicious Android application package (APK) files to target mobile phones, WhatsApp and Telegram accounts, and banking details.
The fraudulent messages impersonate government agencies and claim that recipients are eligible for a festival payment. Ahmedabad Crime Branch’s Cyber Cell detected the campaign through technical surveillance and has launched an investigation into the network behind the suspected fraud.
The messages are being circulated in multiple Indian languages, including Hindi, Gujarati, Bengali and several South Indian languages.
Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Lavina Sinha said no victim had approached Gujarat Cyber Crime authorities in connection with this particular fraud so far. However, the police took cognisance of the activity after detecting suspicious links and the methods being used to persuade people to download applications.
How The ₹8,000 Diwali Bonus Scam Works
Explaining the modus operandi, Sinha said the messages contain links that redirect users to webpages claiming they can receive ₹8,000 under a government scheme.
Recipients are asked to fill out an application form and are subsequently told that their names will be added to a list of beneficiaries eligible for the payment.
The process involves multiple webpages and prompts users to download additional applications through APK files. In some cases, the applications are disguised as gaming or Rummy apps to make them appear legitimate and encourage installation.
However, downloading and installing such applications can expose mobile phones and sensitive information to cybercriminals. The suspected fraudsters are attempting to gain access to WhatsApp and Telegram accounts, banking credentials and other personal information stored on devices.
Police have clarified that no official announcement has been made about an ₹8,000 Diwali bonus under any such Prime Minister’s scheme. The promise of financial assistance is being used as bait to persuade people to click on unfamiliar links and install applications from outside authorised platforms.
Festival Offers Used As Bait In Cyber Fraud Campaigns
According to Cyber Cell officials, fraudsters frequently exploit festivals and major public events to circulate misleading offers and lure unsuspecting users.
Such campaigns may involve promises of festival bonuses, greeting cards, concert passes and tickets for popular cricket matches.
Although the offers change depending on the occasion, the underlying modus operandi largely remains the same. Fraudsters circulate messages through social media and messaging platforms, use attractive offers to create a sense of urgency, and direct recipients to suspicious websites or APK downloads.
The latest activity came to the Ahmedabad Cyber Crime team's attention last week. Police are investigating the network responsible for circulating the messages and examining the technical details of the links and applications being used.
DCP Lavina Sinha Warns People Against Suspicious Links
DCP Lavina Sinha has cautioned people against clicking on suspicious links promising government benefits, festival bonuses or other financial incentives.
Citizens have been advised to verify government schemes through the concerned departments or official government channels before sharing personal information or following instructions received through unsolicited messages.
Police have also warned users against downloading applications through links received on WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS or other messaging platforms. Applications should be downloaded only through authorised platforms such as the Google Play Store and Apple's App Store.
Anyone who accidentally clicks on a suspicious link or suspects they have fallen victim to cyber fraud should immediately contact the national cybercrime helpline at 1930 or lodge a complaint at the nearest police station.
