Government Warns Students Against Fake Free Laptop Messages

The central government has issued a warning to students regarding fraudulent messages circulating online, claiming that free laptops are being provided by the government.

The messages include links that purport to facilitate this offer, but officials have confirmed these claims are false.

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has labelled the circulating message as #fake, urging recipients not to click on any suspicious links. Officials emphasised that such scams can compromise personal information and potentially lead to financial or digital security risks.

Taking to X, the PIB Fact Check posted, “Beware of Fraudsters! A message is being circulated with a link claiming that the central government is providing free laptops to students. #PIBFactCheck This message is #fake! Do NOT click on suspicious links. Always verify information through official sources.”

Guidance for Digital Safety

Cybersecurity experts recommend ignoring and deleting suspicious messages, avoiding sharing personal or financial details, and reporting scams to relevant authorities.

The government also advises users to rely only on official portals and verified communications for information about student benefits or programmes.

“These fraudulent messages exploit the goodwill and trust of students,” a government official said. “It is crucial to exercise caution and confirm announcements from credible sources to prevent falling victim to scams.”

The government has launched ongoing awareness campaigns to educate students, parents, and the general public about digital safety, the prevalence of online fraud, and the importance of fact-checking.

These initiatives aim to reduce cybercrime and ensure that students access legitimate educational support programmes safely.

With the rise of online scams targeting students and other vulnerable groups, authorities continue to stress vigilance.

By following official communications and reporting suspicious messages, students can protect themselves against fraud. They can also ensure they benefit only from authentic government schemes.

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