Claim
India Post offering ₹20,000 Chhath Puja Subsidy through lucky draw
Verdict
The claim is false.
What Is The Viral Claim
A viral message circulating on WhatsApp and social media claims that India Post is offering citizens a ₹20,000 “Chhath Puja Subsidy” or a “lucky draw reward” as part of festive celebrations. The message includes a link directing users to a website that looks similar to an official government portal. According to a clarification issued by the Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) Fact Check Unit, no such subsidy or scheme has been announced by India Post or any other central government department.
Factcheck India stated clearly that the viral message is fake and part of a cyber scam designed to trick users into sharing their personal and financial details.
What the Factcheck India Found
“A fake message is being circulated on WhatsApp claiming that India Post is providing a ₹20,000 ‘Chhath Puja Subsidy’ through a lucky draw. India Post has not announced any such offer. Citizens are advised not to click on such fraudulent links or share personal information.”
(Source: PIB Fact Check, @PIBFactCheck on X)
How the Scam Works
The fraudulent messages typically contain:
- A fake link that looks similar to an official India Post or government website.
- A form asking for bank details, Aadhaar numbers, or OTPs to claim the “reward.”
Once victims enter their data, scammers use it for financial fraud or identity fraud.
What Citizens Should Do
If you receive such a message:
- Do not click on suspicious links.
- Do not share your bank details, Aadhaar, or OTPs.
- Delete the message immediately.
- Warn your friends and family to stay alert.
How to Report Online Fraud
1. Report to Social Media Platforms
All major social media intermediaries allow users to report fake or fraudulent content directly through their platforms. You can also file a complaint at the official Government of India cybercrime portal:
🔗 Visit: https://cybercrime.gov.in/Webform/report_abuse_social_media.aspx
2. Report Fraudulent Communication via “Chakshu”
The Chakshu feature on the Sanchar Saathi portal allows citizens to report fraudulent calls, SMS, or WhatsApp messages that attempt to impersonate government agencies, banks, or telecom operators.
🔗 Visit: https://sancharsaathi.gov.in
Conclusion
The viral claim that India Post is offering a ₹20,000 Chhath Puja Subsidy or Lucky Draw reward is completely false. It is a phishing scam aimed at defrauding users and stealing personal information.Citizens are advised to stay alert and always verify such claims through sources like Factcheck India.