Overview

• The Ministry of Defence has debunked a misleading WhatsApp message soliciting donations for the modernization of the Indian Army and support for injured or martyred soldiers.
• The fraudulent message falsely cites a Cabinet decision and actor Akshay Kumar as a key proponent of the initiative, which the Ministry has confirmed as untrue.
• Incorrect bank account details in the message have led to dishonoured transactions, prompting the Ministry to urge the public to remain vigilant against such scams.
• The legitimate Armed Forces Battle Casualty Welfare Fund (AFBCWF), established in 2020, remains the official channel for contributions to assist families of fallen or injured soldiers.
• The Ministry has shared accurate AFBCWF account details and donation procedures to ensure transparency and prevent further misinformation.