Scamsters using Narendra Modi's face to trick users on WhatsApp

Scams on WhatsApp, Facebook, and other social networking sites are well known. But off late, scamsters have started focussing on local trends to cash in. Most recently, there was a WhatsApp scam message being forwarded which claimed that Narendra Modi was offering Rs 500 worth of mobile recharge to people in the country. These malicious link make excessive use of Modi’s photos and name.

The URLs being circulated in the messages differed from region to region, but we had verified that the individuals behind it were using three main links to direct users to the same website with minor changes, while the fourth link led users to a different site but with the same idea. You can read the full story here .

This was obviously a scam that and there is no such initiative by the government to disburse Rs 500 worth of mobile recharge.

There was yet another link going around, trying to cash in on the demonetisation drive. According to Business Standard, the malicious link claimed to increase the withdrawal and deposit limits with your bank. It prompted the user to enter their bank details as well as personal details.

Security agencies have claimed that there are many dubious websites and apps which have been created with the intention of duping people.

Speaking to India Today, a senior police officer associated with the cyber crime cell said that they have received complaints of a website with the name and photo of the prime minister asking people to recharge their mobile phones by Rs 500 - Rs 1000. Once that is done, the telecom service provider will recharge the phone number by double the amount.

“It also said this recharge offer is part of PM’s latest scheme. Once the payment is made the website shows transaction failed but the money gets deducted. So the customer receives no bonus and ends up paying recharge amount to the fake portal,” said the police officer.

The officer said that the amount of recharge is low, so people don’t bother registering a complaint. But in the process, the scamsters are making lot of money, in addition to getting your personal data. Phishing attacks are on the rise, as these links resemble genuine websites.

The WhatsApp scam of the Rs 500 recharge for instance, had a web page which used genuine logos of telecom sites. So for a layman it is very easy to assume that this is a legit offer. Thereby making it easier for cybercriminals to get away with personal data of users.

The police officer said that one should beware of such malicious links and phishing sites. He also said that government websites are always .gov.in or .nic.in whereas the malicious and fraud sites will be -gov.in or _nic.in. They may even appear real in terms of the layout, but they aren’t.

“So all people making online transaction should be very alert about the website they are browsing. WhatsApp has been a breeding ground for such activities and spreading malicious links,” said the officer.