Hyderabad police warn of fake WhatsApp messages offering Rs 1,000 Paytm Diwali gift
Hyderabad police warn WhatsApp messages claiming Paytm is giving Rs 1,000 Diwali gifts are fake and lead to fraud links. Paytm is not involved.
- First reported
- Reports
- 1
Source: telanganatoday.com · published
What happened
Telangana Today reported on 7 November 2026 that Hyderabad Police Commissioner V C Sajjanar warned people against fake messages circulating on social media, particularly WhatsApp, claiming that Paytm is offering Rs 1,000 as a Diwali gift to everyone. Paytm is impersonated and is not involved. The message urges recipients to click a link and claim the cash reward immediately.
How the scam works
According to the police, fraudsters also circulate follow-up messages such as "I thought it was fake, but I actually received Rs 1,000. You should try it too" to build trust. These fake testimonials are sent in the same groups and chats so that the offer appears to have worked for real people, encouraging others to click and forward it.
Festival gift lures like this typically lead to a page that looks like a payment app or reward site. Visitors may be asked for their bank account or UPI details, card numbers, ATM PIN, OTPs or passwords to receive the money, or be asked to approve a UPI collect request that actually takes money from them. Some links install malicious apps or collect personal data for later fraud. Asking people to share the message with friends before claiming is also common, which spreads the scam quickly during festivals.
Police advised people not to click suspicious links or share bank account details, ATM PINs, OTPs, passwords or other personal information on unverified websites, and to verify offers only through Paytm's official channels. Anyone who has lost money or shared details should contact their bank immediately and report the cyber fraud to the national helpline 1930 or www.cybercrime.gov.in.
Source
Telangana Today report, 7 November 2026: https://telanganatoday.com/hyderabad-police-warn-against-fake-paytm-diwali-gift-messages
Red flags
- A WhatsApp message saying Paytm is giving Rs 1,000 to everyone for Diwali.
- A link urging you to claim a cash reward immediately.
- Follow-up messages claiming someone really received the money.
- Requests for bank details, PINs, OTPs or approval of a UPI request to receive a gift.
If you were targeted
- 1Do not click links in messages promising cash gifts or festival rewards.
- 2Never share bank details, ATM PINs, OTPs or passwords on links from messages.
- 3Check offers only through the company's or government's official app or website.
- 4Do not forward the message to others.
- 5Report cyber fraud to the 1930 helpline or www.cybercrime.gov.in.