Soon after the BJP formed the government again in 2025, a surprising message started making rounds across WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram, and Instagram.
The message claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was offering free ₹399 mobile recharges to all citizens as a part of a new scheme after returning to power.
The claim was widely shared and discussed online, especially among people from rural and semi-urban areas.
But is this actually true? Or just another case of fake news?
In this blog, we break down the origin, reality, and risks of this viral free recharge scheme claim, and provide you with a complete fact-check.
🧾 What Was the Viral Message?
The message being shared on WhatsApp and social platforms reads something like this:
“Congratulations! Now that the BJP is back in power, every Indian citizen will receive a free ₹399 mobile recharge. Claim your free recharge now by clicking the link and submitting your details.”
The message also included a suspicious-looking link and urged users to forward the message to others for the recharge to activate.
Many people, out of excitement or curiosity, clicked on the link and submitted their mobile numbers and other personal details.
🔍 The Reality: A Complete Fact-Check
Let’s break down this claim point by point to uncover the truth.
1. No Official Announcement by the Government
As of now, no official confirmation has been issued by the Government of India, Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), or the BJP regarding any such free recharge scheme.
Major official websites like:
- pib.gov.in (Press Information Bureau)
- mygov.in
- bjp.org
have no such news or press release confirming any mobile recharge giveaway.
Hence, the viral message is not authentic.
2. It’s a Classic Example of a Phishing Scam
Most of these messages are part of phishing schemes that aim to:
- Steal your personal data
- Trick you into downloading malware
- Capture sensitive information like OTPs or bank credentials
Once users enter their mobile number and click submit, they may be directed to further pages asking for bank details, Aadhaar numbers, or OTPs — all signs of a fraudulent site.
⚠️ How Such Scams Work
Here’s a step-by-step of how these fraud messages typically work:
- Create a sense of urgency or excitement (e.g., “Free recharge offer ends today”).
- Use PM Modi’s or BJP’s name to sound official.
- Insert a fake link that looks similar to real government sites.
- Ask for personal details like phone number, Aadhaar, bank details.
- Steal your data or ask for OTPs to access your bank account.
📌 Why Do People Fall for These Tricks?
Despite repeated warnings, many people continue to fall for such scams due to:
- Lack of awareness about digital frauds
- Use of trustworthy names like “PM Modi” or “Government of India”
- Desire for freebies and offers
- Peer pressure when the message is forwarded by friends or family
🕵️♂️ Similar Fake Claims in the Past
This isn’t the first time a free recharge or free benefit scheme has gone viral.
In past years, we’ve seen messages claiming:
- “Free LPG cylinders for all under new scheme”
- “₹2,000 cash reward by Modi government for women”
- “Free smartphones for students under Digital Bharat”
Each time, fact-checking agencies and government alerts confirmed these were false.
✅ How to Identify Fake Schemes
Here are some red flags you should look for:
| Red Flag | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Unverified link | Likely a phishing website |
| Asking for OTP, Aadhaar, or bank info | Fraud attempt |
| No mention on government websites | Not an official scheme |
| Too good to be true offers | Often a scam or hoax |
| Urgent call-to-action | Tricks you into acting without thinking |
📢 What Has the Government Said?
The Press Information Bureau (PIB), which regularly debunks fake news, has clarified several times that any government scheme:
- Will be officially announced through gov.in domains
- Will not ask for personal details through suspicious third-party sites
- Will be covered by national media if genuine
So far, no confirmation exists for a “Free Recharge by BJP or PM Modi”.
🛡️ What You Should Do
If you come across such messages, follow these steps:
- Do not click on suspicious links
- Do not share your mobile number or personal data
- Do not forward the message to others
- Report the message as spam or fraud
- Check PIB or government handles on X (Twitter) for fact-checking
🧠 Conclusion: Don’t Believe Everything You See Online
The viral message about BJP and PM Modi offering free ₹399 mobile recharge in 2025 is a hoax.
There is no official scheme, no announcement, and no legitimate process for this offer.
Always verify any such claims through official government sources and never share your personal data on suspicious websites.
Being digitally aware is the first step toward staying safe from online fraud.
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