Behind the Bait: How Fake Subsidy Messages Trap Innocent Citizens—and What Policemen Must Do

As frontline defenders of public safety, policemen are no longer limited to beat patrols and crime scenes. The digital battlefield demands your attention now more than ever. One such pressing threat is the rise of fake government subsidy messages, which are being used by cybercriminals to defraud thousands across India.

This is not just an urban scam. These messages are finding their way into the WhatsApp inboxes and Facebook feeds of people in towns, villages, and even our own departments.

The Growing Menace: How It Works

Cybercriminals are exploiting citizens’ trust in government schemes and social media by crafting fake offers that promise financial relief, grants, or subsidies. According to NCRB data, India witnessed over 65,000 reported cybercrime cases in 2022, many of which involved fraud linked to phishing and fake schemes.

Let’s understand their modus operandi:

1. Mass Messaging Campaigns
   Victims receive WhatsApp forwards, Facebook posts, or SMS that claim to offer subsidies from government departments like PM Kisan, Digital India, or even the Ministry of MSMEs.
    
2. Enticement with Clickbait
   The message contains a shortened or tampered link (e.g., pmkisan-india-govt.xyz), asking users to click and apply for subsidies.
    
3. Survey Trap or Form Fill-up
   Victims are asked to fill in personal details—name, phone number, Aadhaar, bank details, and even UPI PIN—in the guise of registration.
    
4. Malware Deployment or Data Harvesting
   These fake sites deploy spyware or malware, capturing sensitive information or remotely controlling the victim’s device.
    
5. End Game—The Theft
   Once access is gained, fraudsters either drain bank accounts, commit identity fraud, or use the compromised device to target others in the contact list.
    

Red Flags Every Policeman Should Know

Recognizing fraud is half the battle won. Watch out for:

• Misspelled or Odd-Looking URLs (e.g., www.gov-subsidy-now.in instead of www.india.gov.in)
   
• Generic Messaging: “Congratulations! You’ve won a ₹50,000 subsidy.”
   
• Fake Logos and Seals: Graphics stolen from government sites pasted poorly on scam pages
   
• Unrelated Personal Info Requests: Asking for PAN, OTPs, ATM PINs
   
• No HTTPS or Padlock in URL: Indicates lack of secure encryption
   

Cybercrime and the Policeman’s Role

As law enforcement officers, your role is twofold:

1. Preventive – Raising awareness among the public, especially vulnerable groups such as senior citizens, farmers, and daily-wage workers.
    
2. Responsive – Efficiently registering, investigating, and resolving cybercrime complaints with the help of cyber cells and CERT-In support.
    

Did You Know?

• India is the second-highest country in terms of cyberattacks originating from scam websites using fake offers and government schemes.
   
• As per the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), phishing attempts via SMS increased by 61% in 2023.
   
• Kerala Police’s cyber helpline receives over 300 calls daily, most of which are linked to financial fraud or impersonation attacks.
   

Precautionary Measures to Advise & Adopt

For Policemen (to stay alert and train others):

• Be updated with the latest scam formats in your jurisdiction.
   
• Join cyber intelligence WhatsApp groups formed by CERT-In or DCP cyber wings.
   
• Conduct awareness programs at schools, colleges, panchayats, and co-operative banks.
   
• Encourage your station to display cyber safety posters in public areas.
   
• File and forward regular reports on scam trends from your station to your cyber wing.
   

For Citizens (as part of your community engagement):

1. Don’t Click Blindly: Always verify links before clicking. Government subsidies are announced only through official portals like www.india.gov.in, https://pmkisan.gov.in, or www.mygov.in.
    
2. Stop Forwarding Rumors: Train your audience to use factcheck.pib.gov.in to verify schemes.
    
3. Use Security Tools: Ask them to install antivirus and anti-malware apps (some are free) like Avast, Kaspersky, or Bitdefender Mobile.
    
4. Report Suspicious Messages: Encourage reporting of fake subsidy links to the Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) or cybercrime.gov.in.
    

Legal Action: What Can Be Done?

Offenses related to fake subsidy scams are punishable under:

Cyber cells and local police have the authority to block numbers, trace fraudsters via IP addresses, and collaborate with telecom operators and social media platforms.
 

Real-Life Case Study

In August 2023, Kozhikode Cyber Police busted a racket where three fraudsters were using fake PM Awas Yojana offers to lure villagers. Over ₹14 lakh was siphoned off in under two weeks. Swift action, tech support, and local intel helped retrieve funds for 17 victims.

This is a success that must be replicated across districts with collaboration and continuous training.

Cyber Hygiene Tips for Policemen

• Use official email IDs and secure Wi-Fi in your station.
   
• Never download suspicious attachments or apps on your police phones.
   
• Update your devices and passwords regularly.
   
• Be cautious with unsolicited messages, even if they come with police or government stamps.
   

If You Receive Complaints:

1. Register the FIR under appropriate IT Act and IPC sections.
    
2. Collect Evidence: Screenshot of message, phone numbers, bank details used, UPI handle.
    
3. Involve Cyber Cell: Route complex cases involving malware, spoofing, or data theft to your cyber division.
    
4. Support the Victim: Guide them on how to secure their data, report to banks, and avoid further communication with fraudsters.
    

Conclusion

Cybercriminals are evolving rapidly—and so must we. Fake subsidy messages are just one among many digital traps that lure people with greed, hope, or urgency. As custodians of public trust, your awareness and proactive policing can prevent financial devastation for thousands of citizens.

Every click can be a crime waiting to happen. Every warning you give can save someone’s hard-earned money. Be vigilant, be equipped, and be the digital guardian India needs.

When a citizen loses money to cyber fraud, they lose more than cash—they lose trust in the system. As police officers, we’re not just fighting crime, we’re restoring faith.

Cyber Hygiene Foundation