Beware of This Fake Message Claiming Reliance Jio is Giving Free 10 GB Data Daily

A Fake Jio Message has been recently spotted, which claims the telco will give free 10 GB data daily to the users who click on the link. Anyone who receives such a message is strongly advised not to click on the link it includes.

Will Reliance Jio Give Free 10 GB Data Daily?

Short answer, no, it won't.

The message, coming from a normal mobile number (73003-66009) claims that Jio will give free data. It will include a link to a fake website, which prompts the user to download an app. The message looks something like this.

An unsuspecting user will get a prompt to download an app called "Jio-v1v.apk". This app will seem harmless at first. However, the app will most likely be either spyware or malware. The website will look like this.

The Fake Website that prompts users to install app

Reliance Jio has so far not given any official statement on this. However, it is very much clear that the app is not official. It is one of the many attempts at phishing, and hurting unsuspecting users.  This process is called SMS spoofing and smishing, a portmanteau of SMS and phishing.

Users are advised not to click on the link. At best, this app will probably crash your phone. At worst, a scammer can access your phone remotely and steal all kinds of data. There exist apps that can allow a person to access your device remotely; once you have opened the app and given it access to your phone, a scammer can remotely access your phone. When that happens, they can either steal photos/videos, bank details, and anything else that is private and valuable.

What to do if You Have Received the Fake Message?

Therefore, if you receive a message that looks like this, please report it to TRAI, or the local authorities. Here are ways to report the message to TRAI.

• Tweet to them by tagging their handle, @TRAI.
• Email TRAI at daca@trai.gov.in
• You can also call their toll-free number at 198.

Avoid clicking on the link that the message encloses. Even if you do, your browser will warn before it downloads the app. That's where you need to cancel the downloading. By chance your browser does not notify you, and it has downloaded the APK file, you should delete it straightaway.

These instances are becoming more and more sophisticated and frequent. As such, constant vigilance is the only way - stay alert, stay safe.