Free recharge messages: how the scam works and how to stay safe

“Get ₹299 free recharge for all Indians”, “Free 3 months recharge from the government”, “Jio free recharge offer, click now”. These messages spread on WhatsApp, Telegram and Instagram every few weeks. Almost all of them are scams.

What these links actually do

• Collect your details. The page asks for your number, name and sometimes an OTP. That data is sold or used for fraud.
• Make you share the link. You are told to forward it to 10 friends or groups to “unlock” the recharge. This is how the scam spreads.
• Show you ads or install apps. The page earns money from ads and app installs while you wait for a recharge that never comes.
• Steal money. Some ask for a small “processing fee” by UPI, or send a payment request instead of a payment.

Warning signs

• The link is not on the operator’s official domain (jio.com, airtel.in, myvi.in, bsnl.co.in).
• It uses the name of the government, the Prime Minister or a festival to sound official.
• It asks you to forward the message before you get anything.
• It asks for an OTP, UPI PIN or card details.

What real offers look like

Real operator offers appear inside the official apps (MyJio, Airtel Thanks, Vi, BSNL Selfcare) or on the official website. Operators do not ask you to forward messages to claim them.

If you already clicked

1. Do not enter any OTP or UPI PIN.
2. If you shared an OTP or paid money, call the national cyber crime helpline 1930 or report at cybercrime.gov.in as soon as possible.
3. Report the number or message on the Sanchar Saathi portal (sancharsaathi.gov.in) using the Chakshu option.

RechargePlan does not give free recharge. We only help you compare plans and send you to the official operator site to pay.

Frequently asked questions