Beware of Fake Army Donation Requests: TGCSB
10 May 2025 11:32 PM IST10 May 2025 11:32 PM IST
Cybercriminals exploit Indo-Pak conflict with fake donation drives, warn Telangana police
TGCSB Director Shikha Goel and cyber crime officials urge public to beware of phishing scams and fake army donation links circulating on WhatsApp and social media
Hyderabad: As philanthropists and various organisations extend financial support to the Indian Army during the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan, miscreants have begun exploiting the situation by targeting innocent individuals. These criminals are sending suspicious links seeking donations for the army, posing a serious cyber threat.
Shikha Goel, Director of the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB), issued a warning to the public about the dangers of falling for fake viral messages circulating on WhatsApp, which falsely claim to collect funds for the Indian Army.
“These deceptive messages prey on patriotism, claiming that the funds will directly support soldiers. They provide fake bank account details and use emotionally manipulative tactics to mislead the public,” Goel said. “These messages often claim government endorsement without verification, urging people to donate to specific accounts. The forwarders pressurise recipients to act quickly and share widely, further amplifying the scam.”
She advised citizens to verify such messages through official government channels, websites or social media accounts. “Never share or donate to the bank accounts mentioned in WhatsApp forwards. Check PIB Fact Check or contact relevant authorities for verification,” she added.
Similarly, the Hyderabad cyber crime police have issued an alert about fake and misleading messages targeting the public. Siva Maruthi, ACP of the city’s cyber crime unit (CCCU), pointed out the use of sophisticated tactics like phishing emails, fake login pages and malicious attachments to gain unauthorised access to sensitive information. “These criminals are using the current geopolitical situation to exploit citizens. We have already issued advisories to all government departments to protect against these threats,” Maruthi said.
Dara Kavitha, DCP of CCCU, further warned the public about the growing threat of malicious content spreading through WhatsApp, emails and social media platforms related to the Indo-Pak conflict. “Cybercriminals are taking advantage by circulating fake news, malware, spyware and phishing links disguised as updates or exclusive footage related to the conflict,” she explained.
“These links may come as images or videos, often sent from unknown numbers or shared within WhatsApp, Telegram or other social media groups. They can carry malware or direct users to phishing websites, putting personal and financial information at risk.”
Similarly, the Hyderabad cyber crime police have issued an alert about fake and misleading messages targeting the public. Siva Maruthi, ACP of the city’s cyber crime unit (CCCU), pointed out the use of sophisticated tactics like phishing emails, fake login pages and malicious attachments to gain unauthorised access to sensitive information. “These criminals are using the current geopolitical situation to exploit citizens. We have already issued advisories to all government departments to protect against these threats,” Maruthi said.
Dara Kavitha, DCP of CCCU, further warned the public about the growing threat of malicious content spreading through WhatsApp, emails and social media platforms related to the Indo-Pak conflict. “Cybercriminals are taking advantage by circulating fake news, malware, spyware and phishing links disguised as updates or exclusive footage related to the conflict,” she explained.
“These links may come as images or videos, often sent from unknown numbers or shared within WhatsApp, Telegram or other social media groups. They can carry malware or direct users to phishing websites, putting personal and financial information at risk.”
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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