In a post shared on X, the city’s Police Commissioner warned that cyber scam networks operating in Hyderabad are using festivals such as Sankranti and Republic Day to deceive people online. Fraudsters are circulating fake WhatsApp messages that claim to offer festival rewards.
Messages with titles like “PhonePe Republic Day Mega Gift” or “Sankranti Gift” promise users ₹5,000 if they click on a link. To make the scam look believable, some messages also include lines such as “At first, I thought that it was a fake but I really did get free Rs 5000 scam! Try it out too,” aimed at creating trust among unsuspecting users.
“These are psychological tricks designed to trap people,” the Police Commissioner said. “Even if the message comes from a known contact or a WhatsApp group, pause and think before clicking.”
The Police Commissioner explained that such links often contain unusual characters or hidden malware. Once clicked, they can steal personal data, bank PINs, and passwords, which may lead to bank accounts being emptied within minutes. He also stressed that no genuine company, including PhonePe or GPay, distributes money through WhatsApp links. Legitimate offers are available only through official mobile applications.
The warning comes as cybercriminals increasingly exploit festive occasions, when people are more likely to believe reward-based messages and act quickly without verification.
Police authorities have urged users to stay alert, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and verify any offer through official channels before taking action. Forwarding such messages without checking can also help scams spread faster.
People who have clicked on these links or fallen victim to such frauds have been advised to act immediately. They should contact the cybercrime helpline at 3030 or file a formal complaint online by visiting cybercrime.gov.in.
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