There's a viral message being shared extensively on WhatsApp groups offering a free stay at Taj hotels. Know the truth about the viral message here.
With the onset of February, various offers start doing rounds on social media in the name of Valentine's day offer. One such incident happened when a message started doing rounds on various WhatsApp groups offering a free stay at Taj hotels. The message reportedly says its a Valentine's Day offer and a coupon or a gift card is being offered for stay at Taj Hotels. Know the truth about the viral message here.
1. Viral message doing rounds on social media
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There's a viral message being shared extensively on WhatsApp groups, WhatsApp statuses and even on social media which reads, "I received a gift card from Taj Hotel and finnaly got the chance to stay in Taj hotel for 7 days for free".
2. Link being sent along with message
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The message is followed by a link and as soon as you click the link, a message pops up that reads, "TAJ EXPERIENCES GIFT CARD TAJ Hotel sent out 200 gift cards to celebrate Valentine's Day. You can use this card to stay for 7 days at any hotel in TAJ for free. All you have to do is open the correct gift box. You have 3 tries, good luck!"
3. Questions asked after clicking on link
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When one presses the OK button, the page redirects to a short questionnaire. Once answered, the page will redirect to a new one with 12 red boxes with Tata logo on it. The player must then click on any random box and try its luck to see if they have won the gift card.
4. User being asked to forward message to 5 groups
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If the player wins the gift card then, it will ask the player to go to the next page to redeem the card. There it will ask the player to forward the message to either five groups or 20 individuals on WhatsApp.
5. Taj Hotels issue clarification through Twitter
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The Taj hotels through its Twitter handle have issued a clarification on the message doing the rounds, stating that "It has come to our notice that a website has been promoting a Valentine’s Day initiative, offering a Taj Experiences Gift Card via WhatsApp. We would like to inform that Taj Hotels/IHCL has not offered any such promotion. We request to take note of this and exercise due caution."
It has come to our notice that a website has been promoting a Valentine’s Day initiative, offering a Taj Experiences Gift Card via WhatsApp. We would like to inform that Taj Hotels/IHCL has not offered any such promotion. We request to take note of this and exercise due caution.
— Taj Hotels (@TajHotels) January 30, 2021
6. Mumbai Police Cyber wing warns users
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The Mumbai Police Cyber wing warned users to stay clear of the viral message and to avoid clicking the link if received it. The link is suspected to have malware hidden in it which could steal data like passwords and bank details from the system or phone once clicked.
