Amid the outrage over the ever-increasing violence against women in the country and debate around safety, hundreds of WhatsApp messages are being forwarded with claims that the police have introduced ‘women safety helpline numbers’.
One such viral message asks women to share their vehicle number to a mobile number, and after that, the location of the vehicle will be tracked by the city police through the GPRS system.
“Bengaluru city police started a good service with a dedicated helpline for women, before boarding the taxi or auto, SMS the vehicle number to +919969777888. You will get an acknowledgement via SMS. The vehicle will be tracked via GPRS. Share with as many as you can…Help your sister, mom, your wife and female friends…,” the message reads.
Many people have also shared this particular message over the last few weeks on Facebook and Twitter.
Initiative byBengaluru city police . Started agood service with a dedicated helpline for women.Before boarding the…
Gopi Shastri ಅವರಿಂದ ಈ ದಿನದಂದು ಪೋಸ್ಟ್ ಮಾಡಲಾಗಿದೆ ಭಾನುವಾರ, ಡಿಸೆಂಬರ್ 8, 2019
My dear lovely friends please use this option for your life safe. Bengaluru city police . Started agood service with a…
Umapathi Venkat ಅವರಿಂದ ಈ ದಿನದಂದು ಪೋಸ್ಟ್ ಮಾಡಲಾಗಿದೆ ಶುಕ್ರವಾರ, ಡಿಸೆಂಬರ್ 6, 2019
Bengaluru city police . Started agood service with a dedicated helpline for women.Before boarding the taxi or auto,…
Patricia Dsouza ಅವರಿಂದ ಈ ದಿನದಂದು ಪೋಸ್ಟ್ ಮಾಡಲಾಗಿದೆ ಮಂಗಳವಾರ, ಡಿಸೆಂಬರ್ 3, 2019
Claim
Sending SMS to ‘9969777888’ allows the police to track the sender’s location using GPRS.
Fact Check
On December 3, both Hyderabad city police and Bengaluru city police through their official Twitter handle officially clarified that the information being spread about phone no. 9969777888 is completely fake. Bengaluru police also said that the police will take action against those who create and circulate such messages.
#FakeNews Circulating on #SocialMedia Regarding #Telangana Police Introduced a New Mobile Tracking Number (9969777888) While Travelling in Cabs & Autos it is is Fake News Don’t Circulate it. pic.twitter.com/tPkqzuR1eX
— Hyderabad City Police (@hydcitypolice) December 3, 2019
#Fake message is floating on Whatsapp regarding this number as BCP’s Women Helpline. The number does not belong to BCP People are requested not to believe or share this fake message. Stringent action will be taken against those who create and spread fake messages on social media pic.twitter.com/nDedjqa0RG
— BengaluruCityPolice (@BlrCityPolice) December 3, 2019
Also after trying to access the number ‘9969777888’, we found out it is invalid.
conclusion
Hence, the claim made in the viral message staying that sending an SMS to 969777888 along with a mobile number will enable the state police to trace the location of the female traveller is fake.
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