PIB Fact Check Debunks Fake Cyber Crime Letter Circulating On Social Media

A letter circulating on social media claims to be issued by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), accusing the recipient of serious cyber offences such as child pornography, pedophilia, grooming, and exhibitionism.

The letter warns of imminent prosecution and demands an immediate response.

The Government of India’s official fact-checking agency, PIB Fact Check, has categorically debunked the viral letter.

According to PIB, no such letter has been issued by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) or any other government body.

The letter appears to misuse official logos and seals. It also names multiple agencies, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), INTERPOL, and the Intelligence Bureau. This appears to be an attempt to create panic and coerce the recipient into responding.

Government agencies do not issue criminal allegations via unsolicited emails or letters demanding immediate responses.

The letter uses intimidatory language, including threats of arrest, prosecution within 24 hours, and public disclosure—common tactics in cyber fraud. It incorrectly combines multiple agencies and authorities in a single notice, which is procedurally implausible.

The presence of generic signatures, copied seals, and vague legal references further points to forgery.

PIB Fact Check stated that the letter is fake and warned citizens not to fall prey to such scams.

The agency urged people to verify suspicious communications and report cyber fraud attempts through official channels.

The viral letter claiming to be from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre is entirely fabricated. It is part of a scam designed to frighten recipients into compliance or extortion.

Citizens are advised to remain vigilant and rely only on verified government communications.