The Press Information Bureau's Fact Check Unit has officially debunked a viral social media message claiming that India Post is distributing gifts under a 'Dak Seva Gifts' scheme. According to the PIB Fact Check Unit, India Post has no connection with any gift, reward or lucky draw scheme called 'Dak Seva Gifts'. The agency clarified that such information can be particularly important in online fraud attempts, as messages promising gifts may direct users towards webpages asking for personal details or other information before supposedly allowing them to claim the offer. The PIB emphasized that citizens should treat unexpected messages promising government-linked gifts or rewards with caution and verify information through official government sources rather than clicking suspicious links. The agency specifically warned against sharing bank details, OTPs or Aadhaar information in response to such viral messages.
The PIB Fact Check Unit explained that its verification process involves researching complaints against authoritative government sources such as official websites, press releases, government social media accounts, notices, circulars, documents and e-gazettes. The unit also utilizes technological tools, including reverse image searches and video analysis, to examine viral images and videos that may be circulating in a misleading context. The PIB categorizes fact-checked content as 'Fake', 'Misleading' or 'True' after its verification process and publishes confirmed fact checks through its social media channels to alert users and counter misinformation. The unit also provides channels through which suspicious information relating to the Government of India can be submitted for verification.
In a related development, a businessman from Pune was involved in a peculiar immigration fraud case where he deceived his wife regarding an immigration issue while his associate was detained at the Mumbai airport due to passport complications. According to The Economic Times, the businessman fabricated a claim about surrendering his phone, which led to his wife filing a kidnapping FIR. However, he ultimately returned to the police, and officials are expected to file a closure report for the case. This incident highlights the importance of verifying information about immigration and travel-related matters, particularly as such cases can involve serious legal consequences.
The clarification comes amid upcoming changes to UPI payment pricing, as reported by CNBC TV18. UPI payments are set to witness a pricing change for some merchant transactions from October 15, with consumers able to continue using UPI without paying fees, but select merchant transactions over ₹2,000 will attract a merchant discount rate (MDR). This pricing structure has prompted concerns among merchants about increased transaction costs. The PIB's debunking of fake schemes reinforces the importance of verifying such payment-related information through official government channels.
Despite the clarifications, Indian Oil Corporation shares ended the previous session 1.3% up at ₹136 apiece, as reported by CNBC TV18. However, the stock has declined 16.1% this year so far, reflecting broader market challenges facing the oil marketing sector. The PIB's latest fact-checking efforts demonstrate the ongoing need for official verification of viral messages, particularly those involving government services or financial transactions.
