Fake WhatsApp message says government is offering free recharge
PIB Fact Check tweeted on microblogging site Twitter that this information is fake and the government has not announced any such scheme. The post included a picture of a WhatsApp message which said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “free mobile recharge scheme” would give free recharge of Rs 239 for 28 days to all Indian customers. Users were instructed to click on the blue link to claim the deal.
PIB tweeted, “This claim is #fake.”
To tackle the spread of fake news and misinformation, which is common on social media platforms such as WhatsApp, the PIB has set up a fact-checking wing. The incident has caused widespread confusion and fear among people. PIB is working against this problem by using its social media channels to debunk false information and provide clarification.
How to stay safe from fake WhatsApp messages?
It should be noted that any message requesting to click on any link needs to be scrutinized carefully. Avoid clicking on links and advise others to do the same if it appears to be coming from an unofficial source. Sometimes, you can determine if a statement being spread is untrue by doing a quick Google search.
The meta-proprietary platform advises users not to tap, share or forward messages that are suspicious or sound too good to be true. It is advised that users report the message, block the sender and delete the message if any one of these is received. Also, they can inform the contact that the message looks suspicious and instruct them to use WhatsApp wisely.
