Don't believe messages offering free recharge plans from government, warns COAI
TheCellular Operators Association of India (COAI)has issued a public advisory to warn people about fake messages that are circulating that claim that the government is offering 100 million users free recharge plans for online education. The message followed by a link, which is mostly likely leads to a phishing website.
“It has been brought to our notice that fake messages are being circulated on social media platforms by people with fraudulent intentions. The message falsely claims that the Government has promised 100 million users free recharge plans for online education. It encourages people to click on a link to avail the free offer,” said Lt. Gen. Dr. S.P. Kochhar, Director General, COAI.
“We want to caution the public about this scam. If you get such a message, DO NOT click on the Link as it could lead to data and information theft from the mobile device, and can have other serious consequences. By simply deleting and not forwarding such messages, we can together fight this menace and save others from getting cheated,” he added.
At the same time do not believe any job offers or schemes that you receive on WhatsApp. Recently, a message was circulated on WhatsApp promising users to provide earning up to Rs 5,000 per day after enrolling themselves in a training programme. The message also has a link which if activated may result in loss of money and personal information like bank accounts details.
This is one of many fake messages being circulated online. Usually, such messages begin with how the ongoing pandemic has affected lives and led to the loss of jobs in some cases. It further seeks to bring the reader in confidence with words like ‘You are lucky’ and ‘earn money in the fastest way’.
“It has been brought to our notice that fake messages are being circulated on social media platforms by people with fraudulent intentions. The message falsely claims that the Government has promised 100 million users free recharge plans for online education. It encourages people to click on a link to avail the free offer,” said Lt. Gen. Dr. S.P. Kochhar, Director General, COAI.
“We want to caution the public about this scam. If you get such a message, DO NOT click on the Link as it could lead to data and information theft from the mobile device, and can have other serious consequences. By simply deleting and not forwarding such messages, we can together fight this menace and save others from getting cheated,” he added.
At the same time do not believe any job offers or schemes that you receive on WhatsApp. Recently, a message was circulated on WhatsApp promising users to provide earning up to Rs 5,000 per day after enrolling themselves in a training programme. The message also has a link which if activated may result in loss of money and personal information like bank accounts details.
This is one of many fake messages being circulated online. Usually, such messages begin with how the ongoing pandemic has affected lives and led to the loss of jobs in some cases. It further seeks to bring the reader in confidence with words like ‘You are lucky’ and ‘earn money in the fastest way’.
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