#FactCheck-Viral Video Falsely Claims ‘Civil War-Like Situation’ in Lucknow; Actually Shows Slum Fire

Executive Summary:

The internet is a nest of scams and there's much need to be careful with predatory ideas that prey on the naïve people. Within the recent days, a malicious campaign has emerged falsely alleging 28 day free recharge by courtesy of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This blog seeks to analyze the tactics used by this scam in luring the victims and give an overview on how one can identify and keep away from such fraudulent activities.

Claim:

In view of the increasing support for the BJP 2024 election, a rumor has allegedly claimed that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi offering a free recharge with a validity period of up-to twenty eight days at cost of ₹239  to all Indian users. The message encourages the users to click on a given link in order to redeem the free recharge, pointing out that this offer is valid until January 26th of 2024.

The Deceptive Journey:

• Insecure Links:The research begins with a suspicious link (http://offerintro[.]com/BJP2024), without any credibility that honest sites use to protect the user information. We should keep in mind that the links which aren’t secure may easily lead to phishing and other  cyber threats.
• Multiple Redirects:When users click the link, they are immediately directed through a series of links. This common tactic used by scammers is designed to hide the true origin of their fraudulent scheme, making it difficult for users' efforts to identify the malicious activity.
• False Promises and Fake Comments:The landing page has a banner of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi that makes it look like this is an official channel and hence authentic. Further, false comments can be also included to compliment the alleged initiative. But remember that genuine government announcements are made through legal channels, not by the shady websites.
• Mobile Number Request:As the next step, the users enter their mobile numbers in the specified field. True initiatives never really need the personal information to pass through unofficial lines. This is actually a trick that scammers use to acquire the important information.
• Share to Activate:Once a user has entered the mobile number, he/she is prompted to share the link with others in order to “activate” promised free recharge. This method is most often used by scammers for spreading their fraudulent message beyond the targeted victim.
• Fake Progress Display:When the users have done their part by sharing the link, a false recharge in progress  bar is shown to make them believe that it has started. But the consumers are unwittingly playing a part in the fraud.
• Recharge Completion Pop-up:The last stage of fraud includes a pop-up saying that the recharge is done; leaving users with the false belief that they have benefited from a legitimate government initiative.

What we Analyze :

• It is important to note that at this particular point, there has not been any official declaration or a proper confirmation of an offer made by the Prime Minister or from their government. So, people must be very careful when encountering such messages because they are often employed as lures in phishing attacks or misinformation campaigns. Before engaging or transmitting such claims, it is always advisable to authenticate the information from trustworthy sources in order to protect oneself online and prevent the spread of wrongful information.
• The campaign is hosted on a third party domain instead of any official Government Website, this raised suspicion. Also the domain has been registered in very recent times.

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• Domain Name: offerintro[.]com
• Registry Domain ID: 2791466714_DOMAIN_COM-VRSN
• Registrar WHOIS Server: whois.godaddy[.]com
• Registrar URL: https://www.godaddy[.]com
• ‍Registrar: GoDaddy[.]com, LLC
• Registrar IANA ID: 146
• Updated Date: 2023-06-18T20:37:20Z
• Creation Date: 2023-06-18T20:37:20Z
• Registrar Registration Expiration Date: 2024-06-18T20:37:20Z
• Name Server: ANAHI.NS.CLOUDFLARE.COM
• Name Server: GARRETT.NS.CLOUDFLARE.COM

CyberPeace Advisory:

• Stay Informed: Beware of the scams and keep yourself updated through authentic government platforms.
• Verify Website Security: Do not get engaged with any insecure HTTP links but focus on URLs that have secure encryption (HTTPS).
• Protect Personal Information: However, be cautious when sharing personal information – especially in a non-official channel.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you discover any scams or fraudulent activities, report it and the relevant sites to help avoid others from being defrauded of their hard earned money.

Conclusion:

Summing up, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Free Recharge fraud is an excellent illustration that there is always some danger within cyberspace. The way of the method, from insecure links and also multiple redirects to false promises and really data collection make it clear that internet users should be more careful. The importance of staying up-to-date with what is happening in this new digital world, verifying credibility and also privacy are paramount. By being cautiously aware, the people can keep themselves safe from such fraudulent acts and also play a role in ensuring security even for an online world. Remember that an offer which is in a perfect world should be illegal. Therefore, after doing a thorough research we found this campaign to be fake.

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Introduction:

CDR is a term that refers to Call detail records, The Telecom Industries holds the call details data of the users. As it amounts to a large amount of data, the telecom companies retain the data for a period of 6 months. CDR plays a significant role in investigations and cases in the courts. It can be used as pivotal evidence in court proceedings to prove or disprove certain facts & circumstances. Power of Interception of Call detail records is allowed for reasonable grounds and only by the authorized authority as per the laws. 

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Admissibility of CDR’s in Courts:

Call Details Records (CDRs) can be used as effective pieces of evidence to assist the court in ascertaining the facts of the particular case and inquiring about the commission of an offence, and according to the judicial pronouncements, it is made clear that CDRs can be used supporting or secondary evidence in the court. However, it cannot be the sole basis of the conviction. Section 92 of the Criminal Procedure Code 1973 provides procedure and empowers certain authorities to apply for court or competent authority intervention to seek the CDR. 

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Legal provisions to obtain CDR:

The CDR can be obtained under the statutory provisions of law contained in section 92 Criminal Procedure Code, 1973. Or under section 5(2) of Indian Telegraph Act 1885, read with rule 419(A) Indian Telegraph Amendment rule 2007. The guidelines were also issued in 2016 by Ministry of Ministry of Home Affairs for seeking Call details records (CDRs)

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How long is CDR stored with telecom Companies (Data Retention)

Call Data is retained by telecom companies for a period of 6 months. As the data amounts to high storage, almost several Petabytes per year, telecom companies store the call details data for a period of 6 months and archive the rest of it to tapes. 

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New Delhi 25Cr jewellery heist 

Recently, an incident took place where a 25-crore jewellery theft was carried out in a jewellery shop in Delhi, It was planned and executed by a man from Chhattisgarh. After committing the crime, the criminal went back to Chhattisgarh. It was a case of a 25Cr heist, and the police started their search & investigation. Police used technology and analysed the mobile numbers which were active at the crime scene. Delhi police used advanced software to analyse data. The police were able to trace the mobile number of thieves or suspects active at the crime scene. They discovered suspected contacts who were active within the range of the crime scene, and it helped in the arrest of the main suspects.  From around 5,000 mobile numbers active around the crime scene, police have used advanced software that analyses huge data, and then police found a number registered outside of Delhi.  The surveillance on the number has revealed that the suspected criminal has moved to the MP from Delhi, then moved further to Bhilai Chattisgarh. Police have successfully arrested the suspected criminal. This incident highlights how technology or call data can assist law enforcement agencies in investigating and finding the real culprits.

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Conclusion: 

CDR refers to call detail records retained by telecom companies for a period of 6 months, it can be obtained through lawful procedure and by competent authorities only. CDR can be helpful in cases before the court or law enforcement agencies, to assist the court and law enforcement agencies in ascertaining the facts of the case or to prove or disprove certain things. It is important to reiterated that unauthorized seeking of CDR is not allowed; the intervention of the court or competent authority is required to seek the CDR from the telecom companies. CDRs cannot be unauthorizedly obtained, and there has to be a directive from the court or competent authority to do so.

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References:

• https://indianlegalsystem.org/cdr-the-wonder-word/#:~:text=CDR%20is%20admissible%20as%20secondary,the%20Indian%20Evidence%20Act%2C%201872.
• https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/needle-in-a-haystack-how-cops-scanned-5k-mobile-numbers-to-crack-rs-25cr-heist/articleshow/104055687.cms?from=mdr
• https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/just-one-man-planned-executed-rs-25-crore-delhi-heist-another-thief-did-him-in-4436494

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Introduction

Holi 2025 is just around the corner. In fact, in the Braj region, Mathura and Vrindavan, the celebrations have already begun, starting from Basant Panchami on 2nd February 2025. Temples in Vrindavan are sprinkling flowers on devotees, creating mesmerising scenes with the spirit of devotion. While cities like Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, etc., are all set, with pre-bookings for Holi events, parties and music festivals. 

However, in the current digital era, cybercriminals attempt to conduct manipulative campaigns to deceive innocent people. They attempt to send fake cashback offers, freebies, lucrative deals, giveaways, and phishing scams under the guise of Holi deals and offers. The upcoming festival of colors requires you to know the warning signs so you can remain alert and safeguard against digital scams.

How Scammers Might Target You 

Holi is a time for joy, colors, and celebrations, but cybercriminals see it as the perfect opportunity to trick people into falling for scams. With increased online shopping, event bookings, and digital transactions, scammers exploit the festive mood to steal money and personal information. Here are some common Holi-related cyber scams and how they operate:

1. Exclusive Fake Holi Offers

Scammers send out promotional messages via WhatsApp, SMS, or email claiming to offer exclusive Holi discounts. For example, you might receive a message like:
"Get 70% off on Holi color packs! Limited-time deal! Click here to order now."
However, clicking the link leads to a fraudulent website designed to steal your card details or make unauthorized transactions.

2.  Fake Holi Cashback Offers

You may get an SMS that reads:
"Congratulations! You’ve won ₹500 cashback for your Holi purchases. Claim now by clicking this link."
The link may take you to a phishing page that asks for your UPI PIN or bank login credentials, allowing scammers to siphon off your money.

3. Fake Quizzes to Win Freebies

Scammers circulate links to Holi-themed quizzes or surveys promising free gifts like branded clothing, sweets, or smart gadgets. These often ask users to enter personal details such as phone numbers, email addresses, or even Aadhaar numbers. Once entered, the scammers misuse this information for identity theft or further phishing attempts.

4. Fake Social Media Giveaways

Many fraudsters create fake Instagram and Facebook pages mimicking well-known brands, announcing contests with tempting prizes. For example:
"Holi Giveaway! Win a free Bluetooth speaker or chance to win smartphone by following us and sending a small registration fee!"
Once you pay, the page disappears, leaving you with nothing but regret.

5. Targeted Phishing Scams

During Holi, phishing attempts surge as scammers disguise themselves as banks, e-wallet services, or e-commerce platforms. You might receive an email with a subject like:
"Urgent: Your Holi order needs confirmation, update your details now!"
The email contains a fake link that, when clicked, prompts you to enter sensitive login information, which the scammers then use to access your account.

6. Clickbait Links on Social Media

Cybercriminals circulate enticing headlines such as:
"This New Holi Color Is Banned – Find Out Why!"
These links often lead to malware-infected pages that compromise your device security or steal browsing data.

7. Bogus Online Booking Platforms

With many people looking for Holi event tickets or holiday stays, scammers set up fake booking websites. Imagine you come across a site advertising "Holi Pool Party – Entry Just INR 299!" you eagerly make the payment, only to find out later that the event never existed.

How to Stay Safe This Festive Season

• Verify offers directly from official websites instead of clicking on random links.
• Avoid sharing personal or banking details on unfamiliar platforms.
• Look for HTTPS in website URLs before making any payments.
• Be cautious of unsolicited messages, even if they appear to be from known contacts.
• If an offer seems too good to be true, it it is likely a scam or deception.

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Conclusion:

As Holi 2025 approaches, make sure your online security remains a priority. Keep an eye on potential frauds that attempt to take advantage of the festive seasons like Holi. Protect yourself against various cyber threats. Before engaging with any Internet content, prioritize the verification of sources. Let us safeguard our celebrations with critical cyber security precautions. Wishing you all a cyber-safe and Happy Holi 2025!

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