TL;DR:
Police have issued a public alert warning citizens about rising incidents of fake central government calls claiming to be related to child welfare schemes, financial aid, or official surveys. These scammers aim to collect personal details and misuse them for fraudulent purposes. The public is urged not to share any personal information and to verify the caller’s identity before responding.
Full Article:
🔸 A Rising Concern: Fake Calls in the Name of the Central Government
In recent days, several citizens across India have reported receiving suspicious calls claiming to be from the Central Government’s Child Welfare Department or other official agencies. The callers often sound professional, speak politely, and use convincing details — all to gain the trust of unsuspecting individuals.
Police departments in multiple states, including Tamil Nadu, have now issued a public warning urging people to stay alert. These fraudulent callers are reportedly asking for personal information such as Aadhaar numbers, bank details, and even one-time passwords (OTPs).
According to officials, these scammers operate under the pretext of offering benefits like financial assistance for children’s education, government scheme enrollment, or compensation for welfare programs.
🔸 What the Police Say
The Cyber Crime Division and local law enforcement units have confirmed a sharp increase in complaints related to fake central government calls.
Police officials stated that the scammers often use caller IDs that resemble government helpline numbers or display misleading names such as “ChildCare Dept,” “Govt Support,” or “PM Relief.”
A senior officer said:
“These fraudsters are taking advantage of people’s trust in government initiatives. We urge the public to remain cautious, verify before believing, and report suspicious calls immediately.”
Authorities also warned that the scammers might use voice cloning technology and official-looking WhatsApp profiles to appear legitimate.
🔸 The Modus Operandi of Fraudsters
Here’s how these scams typically unfold:
1. Initial Contact:
The victim receives a call claiming to be from a government department.
2. Convincing Script:
The caller shares some details about the victim (sometimes taken from leaked data) to appear authentic.
3. Fake Verification:
They may ask for Aadhaar or bank account verification “for government records.”
4. Information Extraction:
Once the victim provides the requested details, the fraudsters misuse them for illegal transactions or identity theft.
5. Disappearing Act:
After collecting enough data or money, the scammer vanishes — leaving the victim unable to trace the source.
🔸 Common Scenarios Used by Scammers
According to police reports, the most common fake call scenarios include:
- Child Welfare Awareness Calls: Claiming to offer benefits for underprivileged children.
- Government Survey Requests: Asking for participation in national family data verification.
- PM Fund Distribution: Promising cash transfers from the Prime Minister’s Office.
- Bank Account Verification: Alleging to verify government-linked bank accounts.
Each of these situations is crafted to trigger trust and urgency, making victims more likely to share information without verifying authenticity.
🔸 Police Advisory: How to Protect Yourself
To safeguard the public, the police have released a set of important safety tips:
- Never share personal information such as Aadhaar number, PAN, or bank account details over a phone call.
- Do not disclose OTPs to anyone claiming to represent a government body.
- Verify the caller’s identity through official government websites or local offices.
- Ignore suspicious links or attachments sent via SMS or WhatsApp.
- Report the incident immediately to your nearest police station or cybercrime portal (https://cybercrime.gov.in).
Law enforcement officials emphasize that no government department will ever request personal or financial information over a random phone call.
🔸 Voices from the Ground: Real Experiences
Several citizens have come forward to share their experiences.
One resident from Coimbatore reported:
“I received a call saying my child was eligible for a government education fund. The caller even mentioned my address. Luckily, I felt suspicious when they asked for my bank account details.”
Another user in Chennai shared that the caller insisted on sending a “verification link” via SMS.
“They said it was from the Ministry of Child Development. I clicked on the link, and my phone froze. I immediately disconnected and reported it.”
These real stories underline the growing sophistication of such fraud schemes and the importance of vigilance.
🔸 Government Response and Public Awareness
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Child Welfare Department have also issued statements confirming that no such awareness campaign or phone-based survey is currently underway.
To enhance awareness, official departments are collaborating with media outlets and schools to spread the message. Educational institutions are being advised to educate parents about these scams through WhatsApp groups and meetings.
Posters and awareness programs are being launched in collaboration with local NGOs, ensuring the message reaches even remote areas.
🔸 Why These Scams Work
Experts say the success of these scams lies in psychological manipulation.
Fraudsters exploit human emotions — trust, fear, and urgency.
Here’s how they trick people:
- Authority Bias: Pretending to be government officials.
- Fear Tactics: Claiming something bad will happen if you don’t cooperate.
- Urgency: Insisting that you must act “immediately.”
- Empathy: Using topics like children’s welfare to lower your guard.
By understanding these patterns, citizens can identify red flags early.
🔸 The Role of Technology in Fraud
Many fraudsters are now leveraging spoofing software to make fake numbers appear as official hotlines. Some even use AI-based voice cloning to sound authoritative.
Cyber experts recommend installing caller ID verification apps and using multi-factor authentication for all sensitive accounts.
Additionally, users should be cautious while sharing personal information on social media platforms — scammers often use such data to personalize their attacks.
🔸 What To Do If You Receive a Fake Call
If you suspect a call is fake:
1. Do not engage — hang up immediately.
2. Take note of the phone number and time of the call.
3. Report it to the National Cybercrime Helpline (1930) or visit cybercrime.gov.in.
4. If you’ve shared any personal data, contact your bank and update your passwords.
5. Spread awareness among friends and family to prevent further incidents.
🔸 Police Appeal to the Public
Police officials stress that awareness is the most powerful weapon against such fraud.
“We can only stop these scams if citizens remain alert and share this information widely,” one officer remarked.
They also request the media to play a proactive role by sharing verified news and avoiding misinformation that might cause panic.
Conclusion: Stay Smart, Stay Safe
The rise in fake central government calls highlights a growing need for digital awareness among the public. Fraudsters are constantly evolving their tactics, but with vigilance and timely reporting, these scams can be prevented.
Always remember — authentic government departments never ask for your personal or banking details over a call.
If something feels suspicious, hang up, verify, and report. Your alertness could protect not only you but also others from falling victim to such fraud.
