The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has warned citizens about fraudulent messages circulating in the name of the Prime Minister and falsely offering a cash reward of Rs 13,000. The agency cautioned the public against clicking suspicious links or sharing personal and banking information in response to these communications. According to an NCCIA spokesperson, cyber fraudsters are attempting to deceive people by sending messages that claim the Prime Minister is offering Rs 13,000 in cash. The messages allegedly use the promise of financial assistance or a reward to encourage recipients to follow links or provide information. NCCIA said these communications are fake and may be designed to expose citizens to online fraud. The warning comes as fraudulent messages continue to use familiar names and official-sounding claims to gain the attention and trust of potential victims. By presenting an offer as a government-backed reward, scammers may attempt to make recipients believe that the communication is genuine and that they need to take immediate action to receive the promised amount. The agency has advised citizens to treat such offers with caution and verify their authenticity through reliable official channels before responding.
The NCCIA spokesperson said the suspicious messages could contain links designed to collect personal information and banking details from recipients. These links may direct users to deceptive websites or pages that request sensitive information under the appearance of a reward registration or payment process. People who submit their details could expose themselves to financial fraud or the misuse of their personal information. The agency specifically advised citizens not to open unverified links or provide bank account details, personal information or other sensitive data in response to these messages. Such information should not be shared simply because a communication claims to represent a government official or announces a financial benefit. Fraudulent messages may use official names, familiar language and attractive monetary offers to make their claims appear credible. NCCIA’s warning is intended to prevent people from being misled by the alleged Rs 13,000 offer and reduce the risk of their information being accessed by individuals operating online scams. Citizens are encouraged to remain careful when receiving unexpected messages, particularly those that ask them to follow a link or submit financial details to claim a reward.
The spokesperson also urged the public not to forward suspected fake messages to other people. Sharing unverified communications can allow fraudulent claims and potentially harmful links to reach a wider audience, increasing the number of people who may be exposed to the scheme. Instead, recipients should avoid interacting with suspicious content and report the communication to the relevant authorities. Director General NCCIA Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi said the agency was following a zero-tolerance policy against cyber fraud and would continue taking action against individuals involved in online scams. His statement reaffirmed the agency’s position on addressing digital fraud and protecting citizens from deceptive online activities. The warning also highlights the importance of public awareness in preventing cybercrime, as fraudulent messages often depend on recipients responding to an offer before checking whether it is legitimate. Citizens should be particularly cautious of messages that promise cash payments, request account information or create urgency around claiming a supposed benefit. Avoiding suspicious links and refusing to share sensitive information can help reduce the risk of falling victim to these schemes.
NCCIA has advised citizens to remain vigilant and report suspected cybercrime incidents through its helpline, 1799, or by visiting their nearest NCCIA circle office. People who receive messages claiming to offer Rs 13,000 in the Prime Minister name should avoid clicking any links included in them, submitting personal details or sharing banking information. They should also refrain from forwarding the messages to family members, friends or other contacts, as doing so could further circulate the fraudulent communication. The agency has encouraged the public to report suspicious messages so that relevant authorities can examine the activity and take appropriate action against those responsible. The incident serves as a reminder that online fraud can be presented through seemingly attractive offers and messages that appear to come from recognised public figures or institutions. Citizens should independently verify claims of government payments or rewards rather than relying on links or instructions received through unsolicited messages. NCCIA’s warning aims to alert the public to the reported scam, prevent the disclosure of sensitive information and encourage the timely reporting of suspected online fraud.
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