Free Ration or Cyber Trap? – How Ramzan Scams Target Innocents and What Policemen Must Know

Ramzan is a sacred time of reflection, giving, and devotion. But in today’s digital age, even this holy month isn’t free from the shadows of cybercrime. Fraudsters exploit emotions, urgency, and generosity by circulating fake “Free Ramzan Ration” messages—targeting people’s faith to fuel their scams.

As protectors of society, policemen must be extra vigilant—not just on the ground, but also in the digital landscape. You are not just frontline defenders against physical crimes anymore, but also the first line of awareness and response against cyber threats.

Let’s break down this trending scam, how it works, why it’s dangerous, and how to educate citizens to stay safe.

What is the “Free Ramzan Ration” Scam?

This scam involves fraudsters sending out messages through WhatsApp, SMS, or social media, claiming that the government, NGOs, or wealthy individuals are distributing free ration kits for Ramzan.

The message typically contains:

• A clickable link
• Instructions to “register quickly”
• An appeal to “forward to 10 others to claim the reward”
   

Victims who click the link are taken to phishing websites, infected with malware, or manipulated into giving out personal details.

Why Policemen Should Be Concerned

1. Cybercrime is Rising

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), India recorded over 65,000 cybercrime cases in 2023, a 24% increase from the previous year. A significant portion of these crimes involve financial fraud and phishing scams.

2. People Trust Uniforms

Citizens still look to police officers as trusted advisors. When cyber frauds rise, it’s your words, your social media posts, your offline sessions that can build awareness and save lives.

3. Cybercrime Has a Real-World Impact

What begins as a digital message ends in real-world suffering—bank accounts emptied, phones hacked, victims blackmailed, or even lives destroyed due to leaked personal data.

How the Scam Works – The Fraudsters' Modus Operandi

Let’s decode the common playbook these scammers follow:

Step 1: Emotional Bait
Messages target the sentiment of charity and need during Ramzan. “Get your free ration kit today – limited time!”
 

Step 2: The Click Trap
Victims are directed to a fake landing page with a government logo or professional design. They’re asked to fill in personal details.
 

Step 3: Data Harvesting / Malware Attack
The site captures personal data or prompts a download, which installs malware or spyware.
 

Step 4: Further Exploitation
This can lead to:

• Bank fraud
• SIM swap attacks
• Ransomware
• Blackmail with stolen personal photos
  
   

Red Flags Policemen Should Help Citizens Spot

Educate people to look for the following warning signs:

What Policemen Can Do: Action Plan to Fight This Scam

1. Public Announcements in Mosques and Marketplaces

Use loudspeakers, beat duty rounds, or community events to issue offline alerts in local languages.
 

2. WhatsApp Status & Social Media Posts

Leverage police station accounts to share verified graphics like:

NO FREE RATION SCHEME is offered online. Don’t click on any unknown links. Report such messages to 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.
 

3. Involve Local Influencers & Clerics

Get mosque committees and community leaders to make announcements or Friday sermons warning about the scam.
 

4. Put Up Posters in Ramzan Bazaars

Design simple posters with visuals and red flags listed in bullet points. Put them near:

• Grocery stores
• ATMs
• Pharmacies
• Mosques
   

5. Conduct Awareness Drives in Schools and Colleges

Organize a short 30-minute session with students—they’re often the first to see these messages and can warn parents and elders.

Cyber Hygiene Tips to Share With the Public

Case Study: Victim in Hyderabad Lost ₹38,000

In 2023, a 35-year-old woman from Hyderabad clicked on a link offering free ration. After entering her Aadhaar number and bank details, she noticed ₹38,000 withdrawn in two transactions. The cyber cell traced the scam to a fraud ring operating out of Jharkhand.

Had she known the signs and reported it earlier, the damage could have been minimized.

Final Thoughts for Policemen

You are the first line of defense not just against crime—but misinformation, emotional manipulation, and digital exploitation.

This Ramzan, make it your mission to protect not just the roads, but also the routers. Every officer can stop a cybercrime—not by using a baton, but by using their voice, presence, and social reach.

Cybercriminals don’t need guns—they just need your trust. In the digital world, awareness is your best armor.

Cyber Hygiene Foundation