WhatsApp Scams
Fake government messages, lottery forwards, and messages from hacked family accounts
WhatsApp scams are the most common way seniors are defrauded in India today.
Many are designed to look like they come from someone you trust — the government, a bank, or a family member. Knowing the patterns helps you spot them quickly.
Examples of these messages:
- "Free gas cylinders for all families! Click this link to apply before 31 December."
- "PM Senior Citizen Scheme: ₹2,000 monthly benefit — register now using this form."
- "Your Aadhaar card linked ration benefit of ₹4,500 is ready. Tap to claim."
The truth:
Real government schemes are announced through official news, newspapers, and government websites — never through WhatsApp forwards. If a scheme is real, you can verify it at india.gov.in or your local government office.
✅ Do not click any link in a forwarded WhatsApp message claiming a government benefit.
Three simple rules to remember
Think you received a scam message?
You can report suspicious messages on WhatsApp by opening the chat → tap the three dots → Report. You can also report on cybercrime.gov.in.
📞 1930 — If money was taken