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Fake Rs 8,000 Diwali Bonus Message on WhatsApp Is a Scam, Police and PIB Warn

· Diwa Bonus News Desk

Illustration for the news story: Fake Rs 8,000 Diwali Bonus Message: Police Warn
Illustration — not a photo of the events described.

A festive “bonus” that looks too good to be true is doing the rounds this Diwali, and several authorities say it is exactly that. On 29 October 2026, the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) warned people about a WhatsApp message falsely claiming that the Union government is giving a Rs 8,000 cash benefit to all Indian citizens for Diwali. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has since called the claim false, and Pimpri Chinchwad police in Pune issued their own warning.

What the message says

The message is circulated in the name of the Prime Minister. It carries a website link and urges people to click it to claim the money. According to the TGCSB, fraudsters are using the festive mood to make the message look like a real government scheme.

The link leads to a fraudulent website. The Hindu, The Economic Times and The Times of India report that such sites can be used to:

  • collect personal and banking details;
  • ask for a “processing fee” to release the money;
  • trick people into authorising UPI transactions; and
  • persuade victims to download malicious apps that can take over a phone.

What the authorities advise

The PIB said the claim is false and asked people not to click suspicious links or share OTPs. Pimpri Chinchwad Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Rohidas Pawar said clicking the links could expose personal and banking details to fraudsters and lead to financial losses. Police there cautioned people against sharing Aadhaar and PAN details, bank account information, OTPs, ATM PINs, CVVs or UPI PINs on suspicious websites.

The TGCSB added a simple rule: don’t click, don’t forward. Anyone who has already clicked should stop entering information and secure their accounts. Anyone who has lost money should contact their bank at once and report on the cyber fraud helpline 1930 or at cybercrime.gov.in.

Why it matters for Diwa and Yono app players

This scam is not about games, but it works on the same hook that fake game offers use: free money, a festive deadline and a single link. Around Diwali, players of Diwa-family and Yono-family apps often see messages promising a festival bonus, a sign-up reward or a “special APK” with extra cash. The pattern is the same as the Rs 8,000 message. A link takes you to a page that asks for your number, then an OTP, then a small fee or a UPI approval.

A real bonus never needs your UPI PIN. Entering a PIN always sends money out of your account; it never brings money in. And a file sent over WhatsApp is never a safe way to install an app.

Practical safety takeaway

  • Check claims at the source. Look for an official government notification or the PIB website rather than a forwarded message.
  • Know the law. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 prohibits online money games in India; a “bonus” link cannot change that.
  • 18+ only. Talk to teenagers and older relatives about these messages too.
  • Never share OTPs or UPI PINs, and never pay a fee to receive a reward.
  • Do not install APKs from chat links.
  • Report fast on 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.

Enjoy the festival, and if a message offers you free money, pause and check before you tap.

More player news on Diwa Bonus: bookmark this Fake Rs 8,000 Diwali Bonus Message: Police Warn story and see the latest Diwa Bonus news.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the government giving Rs 8,000 to everyone for Diwali?

No. The PIB has said the claim is false, and the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau has called the message a phishing scam.

What happens if I click the link?

According to the warnings, the link can lead to a fake website that steals personal and banking details, asks for a fee, pushes UPI approvals or installs malicious apps.

I already clicked. What should I do?

Stop entering any information, secure your accounts and device, and if money was taken, contact your bank and report on 1930 or at cybercrime.gov.in.

Are Diwali bonus links for game apps safe?

Treat them with the same caution. A real bonus never needs your OTP or UPI PIN, and you should never install an APK sent over a chat app.