Tech

Beware of WhatsApp’s friend in need scam! What is it and how to stay safe?

Scammers pose as a friend or family in the WhatsApp friend in need scam. They use stolen smartphones to send a message on WhatsApp requesting help to contacts saved on the phone.

Published

4 years ago

November 14, 2021

We are not new to online scams. Scamsters don’t leave any chance to dupe people in any way. And now WhatsApp users are their target. The instant messaging app is the most used app in the world and that’s why scamsters have used this platform to cheat people with their tricks. So, the latest scam ‘friend in need’ has been doing rounds on the internet.

What is WhatsApp ‘Friend in Need’ scam?

Scammers pose as a friend or family in the WhatsApp ‘Friend in Need’ scam. The text message asks the victim to help them financially as soon as possible. Scamsters even ask the victims to share their personal information, money or a six-digit PIN number. Victims send money to the fraudster without realising it is not a friend or family member since they have no knowledge of who is sending messages. There appears to be no way to get the money back once it has been sent.

Who are the victims of this scam?

WhatsApp in the latest awareness campaign said that “If you receive a suspicious message… calling or requesting a voice note is the fastest and simplest way to check someone is who they say they are. A friend in need is a friend worth calling.”

According to the National Trading Standards, around 59% of WhatsApp users in the UK have received a similar message asking for help from their contacts. The message was in fact sent by the scammers.

How do scamsters contact you?

Fraudsters use stolen smartphones to send a message requesting help to contacts saved on the phone. Because the number is already recorded in the victims’ contact list, they send the money immediately after receiving the plea for help. If your friend has lost his phone, it is likely that thieves and fraudsters may use it to send concerned messages to his contacts.

How can you stay safe from such scams?

If you receive a text from a friend requesting money, instead of replying or giving the money immediately, call that person. Before responding to any such messages, always double-check the sources. Take note of the terminology used by the fraudster in such suspicious texts.

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Gadgets

OnePlus Freedom Sale 2026 brings discounts on 15, 15R, 13, Nord 5 and tablets

OnePlus Freedom Sale 2026 begins Jan 16 with discounts on phones, tablets, and audio products across online and offline stores.

Published

3 weeks ago

January 13, 2026

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OnePlus has announced its Freedom Sale, offering discounts on smartphones, tablets, and audio products across online and offline platforms. The deals include the recently launched OnePlus 15 series, Nord lineup, Buds audio devices, and other gadgets.

When and where to shop

The OnePlus Freedom Sale starts on Jan. 16 and will run both online and offline. Shoppers can purchase smartphones through OnePlus.in, OnePlus Experience Stores, Amazon, as well as offline retailers including Croma, Reliance Digital, Vijay Sales, and others. Tablets are available on Flipkart during the sale period.

Discounts on OnePlus smartphones

OnePlus 15: Launched at Rs 72,999, buyers can get an instant Rs 4,000 discount, lowering the effective price to Rs 68,999. Additional benefits include six months of no-cost EMI and a bundled OnePlus Nord Buds 3.
OnePlus 13: Originally priced at Rs 69,999, the phone receives an Rs 8,000 price drop, plus a bank discount of Rs 4,000, bringing the price down to Rs 57,999.
OnePlus 15R: Listed at Rs 47,999, buyers can avail Rs 3,000 off until Jan 26. After the date, the effective price is Rs 45,999.
OnePlus 13R: Launched at Rs 42,999, this device gets up to Rs 6,000 price cut and an additional Rs 1,000 bank discount.

Discounts on OnePlus tablets

OnePlus Pad 2: Rs 2,000 instant bank discount reduces the price to Rs 34,999.
OnePlus Pad 3: Eligible for a Rs 3,000 instant discount, making the price Rs 44,999. Purchases until Jan 26 include a free Stylo 2 stylus.
OnePlus Pad Go 2: Rs 1,000 price drop plus Rs 2,000 bank discount, now Rs 23,999.
OnePlus Pad Go: Price reduced to Rs 13,999 after Rs 3,000 cut and Rs 1,000 bank discount.
OnePlus Pad Lite: Available for Rs 11,999 after a Rs 2,000 price drop and Rs 2,000 bank discount.

Audio devices on offer

OnePlus Buds 4: Rs 700 price cut with Rs 300 bank discount, bringing the effective price to Rs 4,999.
OnePlus Buds Pro 3: Now Rs 9,999 after Rs 1,000 price drop and Rs 1,000 bank discount. No-cost EMI options are available for both Buds 4 and Buds Pro 3.

Additional discounts are also applicable to the Nord Buds series — including Nord Buds 3, Nord Buds 3 Pro, and Nord Buds 3R — and neckband devices such as Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC and Bullets Wireless Z3.

Auto

Mahindra XUV 7XO launched in India at Rs 13.66 lakh with major upgrades

Mahindra has launched the XUV 7XO facelift in India at Rs 13.66 lakh, offering upgraded design, advanced technology, and smart connectivity features.

Published

4 weeks ago

January 6, 2026

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Mahindra has officially launched the facelifted XUV700 in India under a new name — XUV 7XO — with prices starting at Rs 13.66 lakh (ex-showroom). The updated SUV brings noticeable changes in design, technology, and features, strengthening Mahindra’s presence in the highly competitive mid-size SUV segment.

The XUV 7XO will rival models such as the Tata Safari and MG Hector. Test drives will begin from January 8, while deliveries of top-end variants are scheduled to start from January 14. Entry-level variants will be delivered from April 2025.

Engine and powertrain options

The Mahindra XUV 7XO continues with the same engine lineup seen on the outgoing XUV700. Buyers can opt for a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 200 hp and 380 Nm of torque, or a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine delivering up to 185 hp and 450 Nm. These engines have been retained to offer a familiar balance of performance and drivability.

Exterior design updates

Design updates on the XUV 7XO draw inspiration from Mahindra’s newer electric vehicle concepts. The SUV gets revised LED daytime running lights, projector headlamps, and a refreshed grille featuring vertical chrome accents. At the rear, a connected full-width LED light bar with inverted L-shaped elements gives the SUV a more contemporary appearance.

Additional updates include new dual-tone alloy wheels, redesigned bumpers, and new colour options, collectively giving the XUV 7XO a sharper and more modern road presence.

Interior, features and technology

Inside, the Mahindra XUV 7XO introduces significant upgrades in technology and comfort. The SUV features a coast-to-coast triple 10.25-inch HD screen setup, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, DPO support, the AdrenoX infotainment system, and Alexa integration offering over 60 connected functions.

Luxury features include a leatherette interior package, Skyroof, cruise control, a powered driver seat with memory, and push-button start. Safety and wellness features include six airbags, a 540-degree camera, blind spot monitoring, air purifier, DVR, and smart locking technology. The SUV also gets R18 diamond-cut alloy wheels, bi-LED headlamps with DRLs, roof rails, rear spoiler, and telescopic steering.

Notably, the XUV 7XO integrates Alexa and ChatGPT, enhancing the in-car digital experience.

Variants and pricing

The Mahindra XUV 7XO range starts at Rs 13.66 lakh (ex-showroom). The AX7L diesel-manual variant is priced at an introductory Rs 22.47 lakh (ex-showroom) for the first 40,000 buyers, while the AX7 diesel-manual is priced at Rs 18.95 lakh (ex-showroom).

Tech

Google Meet outage disrupts work calls, online classes across India

Google Meet faced a major outage across India, stopping users from joining meetings and prompting widespread complaints on social media.

Published

2 months ago

November 26, 2025

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A major outage hit Google Meet on Wednesday, leaving thousands of users across India unable to join or host video meetings. The disruption forced many to cancel work calls, online classes and scheduled interviews, triggering frustration across offices and campuses.

Users report widespread access issues

According to data from an outage-tracking platform, over 1,700 users reported issues by early afternoon. A majority complained that the website itself was unresponsive, while others flagged server-related problems. A small number reported poor video quality. Many attempting to log in were greeted with a “502, that’s an error” message.

Social media flooded with complaints

Soon after the outage began, social media platform X saw a surge of posts from users seeking clarity on whether the platform had gone down nationwide. People shared screenshots and asked if others were facing similar trouble. Some tagged Google’s India handle, urging a quick fix.

One user wrote humorously that their long- awaited interview had to be cancelled because the platform stopped working. Others noted that only certain members of their organisation were affected, adding to the confusion.

No official response from Google yet

As users debated possible reasons behind the failure, several pointed out recent disruptions across major digital services globally. Google has not yet issued a statement regarding the cause of the outage.

The incident comes barely a week after parts of the internet experienced a massive breakdown linked to Cloudflare, raising concerns over repeated digital service disruptions this month.