Sat Jan 10 16:08:32 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Sri Krishna Sweets Falls Victim to Pongal Prize Scam

The Story: Sri Krishna Sweets Private Limited has reported a cybercrime incident to the Coimbatore city police involving a fake website using the company’s name and URL to promote a fraudulent “Pongal Parisu” (Pongal Prize) event. The scam promises ₹50,000 in prize money and directs applicants to share the fake website link to 10 WhatsApp groups, including the director and CEO’s name, to claim the prize. The company has issued a press release clarifying that the offer is entirely false and unauthorized.

Key Points:

  • January 10, 2026: Sri Krishna Sweets filed a complaint regarding a fake Pongal prize scam.
  • A fake website using the company’s name and URL is offering ₹50,000 as a “Pongal Parisu.”
  • Applicants are instructed to share the website link to 10 WhatsApp groups to claim the prize.
  • Sri Krishna Sweets has confirmed that the offer is fraudulent and not authorized by the company.
  • The company urges the public to verify information through official channels only.
  • The fraudulent website started circulating the offer on January 5, 2026.

Critical Analysis:
The timing of this scam coincides with the Pongal festival, a period when gift-giving and celebrations are common. Scammers often exploit these periods by creating fake offers that seem plausible and appealing. The choice of Sri Krishna Sweets, a well-known and trusted brand, lends credibility to the scam, increasing its potential reach and impact.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting cultural festivals and traditions for fraudulent activities.
  • Trusted brands are vulnerable to impersonation scams, potentially damaging their reputation.
  • Social media and messaging platforms like WhatsApp are used to rapidly spread misinformation and scams.
  • Public awareness and verification through official channels are crucial in preventing such scams.
  • Law enforcement needs to address such scams quickly to mitigate financial and reputational damages.

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