Hyderabad Police warn against fake Paytm Diwali gift messages

Hyderabad: Cyber fraudsters are circulating fake messages on social media platforms, particularly WhatsApp, claiming that Paytm is offering Rs 1,000 as a Diwali gift to everyone, in an attempt to lure unsuspecting people into a cyber fraud trap.

The misleading message urges recipients to click on a link and claim the supposed cash reward immediately. To make the offer appear genuine, fraudsters are also circulating messages saying, “I thought it was fake, but I actually received Rs 1,000. You should try it too.” Such claims are intended to create trust and encourage more people to click on the fraudulent links.

Hyderabad Police Commissioner V C Sajjanar cautioned people against falling for such deceptive offers and urged them to remain alert to online frauds. He warned that cybercriminals often exploit festive occasions and the excitement surrounding special offers to cheat people.

People should not click on suspicious links or share their bank account details, ATM PINs, OTPs, passwords or other personal information on unverified websites. They should also avoid forwarding such messages to friends and family without verifying their authenticity, he said.

The police advised citizens to verify promotional offers only through Paytm’s official website or authorised communication channels. Any suspicious message or cyber fraud should be reported immediately by calling the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or through the portal www.cybercrime.gov.in.

Police stressed that people should remember that attractive festive offers circulated through WhatsApp are not necessarily genuine and that a moment of carelessness could result in financial loss.