Deceptive URLs disguised as PMCares are deceiving individuals, claim Maharashtra cyber authorities.
During the lockdown in Maharashtra, India, the cyber police have been actively combating the spread of online misinformation. According to reports, a total of 78 cases have been registered by the Maharashtra Cyber police during this time.
The cases registered are related to various forms of online misinformation, including fraudulent links for online donations to the PM CARES Fund, and misinformation related to the coronavirus outbreak. In several cities across Maharashtra, including Kolhapur, Nashik, Thane, and Nagpur, four cases each were registered for online misinformation during the lockdown.
In addition, a case was registered in Malegaon, Nashik, where three people were arrested for making a TikTok video with a communal angle to the outbreak. The authentic link for donating to the PM CARES Fund is pmcares@sbi.
The fraudulent links have been traced and disabled by Maharashtra Cyber police officials. It is important to note that the dissemination of false information can have serious consequences and can potentially cause panic and confusion among the public.
In some cases, the misinformation led to violations of lockdown orders, such as in Dongri, south of Mumbai, where people gathered after a piece of fake news was circulated through WhatsApp.
The Maharashtra Cyber police have been working tirelessly to combat the spread of online misinformation and to maintain public safety during the lockdown. It is essential for everyone to verify the information they receive and to only share accurate and reliable information.
For more detailed information on specific cases, it is recommended to check local news portals or official police communications from Nashik or Maharashtra. Social media groups or forums in the local area may also provide useful insights.