The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has exposed a circulating WhatsApp scam falsely promising free laptops to students under a so-called ‘Students Laptop Scheme 2026’.
This non-existent initiative, attributed to the Ministry of Education, aims to trick unsuspecting students and parents into sharing sensitive personal information online.
Officials confirmed that no government notification or official announcement has been issued regarding such a scheme.
PIB issued an official warning on social media, calling the claim fake and cautioning students against sharing personal details.
PIB sources verified the claim through official government portals on gov.in, confirming the information as completely fraudulent.
The viral message includes a forged application form, designed to mimic government communication.
The image contains fields requesting personal data, including phone numbers, email addresses, and bank details, alongside suspicious hyperlinks.
PIB prominently stamped the visual with ‘FAKE’ to alert the public to phishing threats.
Authorities urge students and guardians to exercise caution and avoid clicking on unverified links, downloading unknown files, or sharing confidential information.
“The scheme does not exist. Sharing data through these forms can lead to identity theft and financial fraud,” a PIB spokesperson stated.
PIB encourages citizens to report suspicious content via its official WhatsApp number or email for verification.
By actively reporting fraudulent messages, individuals help curb the rapid spread of misinformation and protect the public from cybercrime.
This incident highlights the growing trend of digital scams targeting students, exploiting their desire for educational benefits.
Experts recommend relying solely on government portals, official notifications, and verified social media channels to access legitimate schemes.
The bureau’s proactive intervention demonstrates the importance of digital vigilance in today’s technology-driven society.
Students and parents must remain sceptical of offers that appear too good to be true and verify every claim before taking action.
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