Kozhikode: A WhatsApp message claiming that Google Pay is giving Rs 6,000 to all users as part of its 9th anniversary celebrations is being widely circulated.

The message says the amount will be credited to users' bank accounts once they click on the attached link.

However, Google Pay has not officially announced any such anniversary reward scheme. The message describes it as a limited-period offer and urges recipients to check whether they too have received the amount.

Cyber Police warned that users who click on the link out of curiosity or in the hope of receiving money could fall victim to fraud. Instead of an anniversary reward, the link may install malware that can expose phones or computers, steal personal information, or gain authorisation to transfer money through UPI. In some cases, users could lose all the money in their bank accounts.

Such fake messages have been circulating on WhatsApp for nearly a week. Google Pay began operations in India on September 18, 2017. As this year marks its 9th anniversary, fraudsters may be using the occasion to make the claim appear genuine.

"This is an external link meant for fraud. If Google Pay were actually offering such an anniversary reward, the notification would reach customers only through the app. We will try to identify the numbers spreading this message and take steps to remove the link," said K. Jithesh, Assistant Sub-Inspector, Cyber Police.