Scammers Are Using PM Modi's Name to Spread Lockdown Fears: How to Protect Yourself!

Lockdown Scam Alert: Received a WhatsApp Message About PM Modi’s ‘Appeal’? Don’t Make These 3 Mistakes!

The mere memory of the pandemic days is enough to trigger anxiety for many. Capitalizing on this deep-rooted human fear and sensitivity, cybercriminals have unleashed a new wave of digital fraud: the Lockdown Scam.

Recently, a message has been viral across social media platforms, particularly WhatsApp, claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made an appeal to impose a nationwide lockdown again.

If you have received any such message, video, or link, do not panic! This is an absolute hoax. The government has issued no such orders. Fraudsters are simply weaponizing your fear to siphon money from your bank account.

If this message lands in your WhatsApp inbox, make sure you do not commit these 3 critical mistakes.

Understanding the Lockdown Scam

Cybercriminals are using edited video clips of PM Modi’s old speeches or leveraging AI voice cloning to mimic news anchors to spread these rumors. The messages are almost always accompanied by a suspicious link, usually paired with a caption like: 'Click here to view the official lockdown guidelines' or 'Click here to apply for an emergency travel pass.'

The moment you click on that link, you step directly into their trap.

Avoid These 3 Critical Mistakes on WhatsApp

To protect your hard-earned money and personal data from online scammers, strictly avoid doing the following:

1. Clicking on Suspicious Links

Never click on any unknown links (URLs) attached to these messages. These are typically phishing websites designed to look exactly like official government portals. Clicking them can silently download malware or spyware onto your device, giving hackers complete remote access to your phone, messages, and banking apps.

2. Forwarding the Message Blindly

Just because a message bears the "Forwarded many times" tag on WhatsApp does not mean it is true. Avoid forwarding these alerts to your friends, family, or group chats without verifying the facts. By sharing unverified news, you unintentionally amplify panic and put your loved ones at risk of getting scammed.

3. Sharing Personal and Banking Details

Never enter your name, Aadhaar number, PAN card details, or banking credentials (like OTPs, UPI PINs, or credit/debit card details) on any random website. Keep in mind that the government will never ask for your confidential information via WhatsApp to issue guidelines or passes.

Quick Safety Checklist

What to Do	What NOT to Do
Fact-Check: Verify the news through PIB Fact Check or official government handles.	Do not panic or rush to stockpile groceries based on social media rumors.
Report & Block: Immediately report and block the unknown number or group on WhatsApp.	Do not download any random third-party apps or APK files suggested in the chat.
File a Complaint: If scammed, call the national cybercrime helpline at 1930 or visit cybercrime.gov.in.	Do not share financial or personal details with anyone over chat or call.

PIB Fact Check Alert: The Press Information Bureau (PIB) fact-checking wing has repeatedly clarified that viral claims regarding a new lockdown are completely baseless and fake. No such decisions have been made by the Central Government.

Bottom Line

In the digital world, alertness is your strongest shield. Scammers thrive on urgency and fear. The next time you receive a sensational message invoking PM Modi or sudden government restrictions, take a breath, check mainstream news channels, and ensure you do not commit the three mistakes mentioned above.

Stay alert, stay safe!