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PM and CM targeted in massive cyber fraud wave
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News18•19-10-2026, 23:58
PM and CM targeted in massive cyber fraud wave
- •Cyber fraudsters are using deepfake videos and fake ads of the Prime Minister, Finance Minister, and state Chief Ministers to lure citizens with fake government schemes.
- •Victims are tricked into paying processing fees, taxes, and registration charges under the pretext of releasing financial assistance.
- •Fraudsters are also exploiting payment apps by sending fake spin-and-win offers and tricking users into entering their UPI PINs.
- •The Home Ministry issued an advisory warning people to stay cautious of social media ads and suspicious phone calls, especially from +92 numbers.
- •Citizens are advised to verify scheme details through official channels and report cyber fraud immediately at cybercrime.gov.in or by calling 1930.
Key Questions Answered
Cyber fraudsters run fake advertisements on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram using deepfake videos and photographs of the Prime Minister, Finance Minister, and state Chief Ministers to make it look like leaders are announcing financial assistance schemes.
After trapping victims with fake government schemes, fraudsters demand money multiple times under the pretext of taxes, registration charges, processing fees, or verification fees before the supposed financial assistance can be transferred.
Victims of online fraud can call the national cybercrime helpline number 1930 or lodge formal complaints on the official website at www.cybercrime.gov.in to block fraudulent amounts and take prompt action.
