Hyderabad: People in Telangana are being tricked by a hoax message, saying that Childline India Foundation will collect excess food and distribute it to the needy children.
The fake message reads, “Good news in Telangana. If you have a function/party at your home and when you see food wasted, please don’t hesitate to call 1098. They will come and collect the food. Please circulate this message which can help feed many children. Helping hands are better than praying lips.”
This has been a fake message which has resurfaced. This time specific to Telangana. It earlier claimed that the initiative was started by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The child helpline put up a warning message on its website, “We understand there is a chain mail circulating that says one should call up 1098 to pick up leftover food. This is not true. We are India’s only and most widespread children's phone emergency outreach service (1098). We do not pick up food or distribute food. This mail was not initiated by us, kindly do not circulate it.”
It may be mentioned that 1098 is the country's first toll-free helpline for children in distress, wherein a friendly volunteer is available round the clock to help vulnerable children.
