Have you come across a viral message on WhatsApp about a “Students Laptop Scheme 2024,” claiming to offer free laptops to students? If so, proceed with caution. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has flagged this message as a potential scam and issued a warning against interacting with it. PIB has also urged users to verify such offers through official channels before taking any action.
PIB Fact Check Debunks Viral Free Laptop Message
According to the PIB, the claim of free laptops under the so-called “Students Laptop Scheme 2024” is completely false. The message is reportedly a phishing attempt aimed at stealing personal data from unsuspecting users.
The PIB Fact Check team has investigated the viral message and confirmed that clicking on the suspicious link in the message could compromise personal information. Users are advised to avoid such scams and refrain from sharing their data without proper verification.
PIB’s Official Warning on X (formerly Twitter)
In a recent post on X, PIB wrote:
“Have you received a #WhatsApp message offering free laptops? Beware! It’s a scam! #PIBFactCheck Never click on such suspicious links and be cautious while sharing personal information.”
The post also included a graphic of the viral message, showcasing its deceptive nature.
Details of the Scam Message
The viral message claims that applications for the “Students Laptop Scheme 2024” are open. It falsely states that this scheme is designed to provide free laptops to financially underprivileged students to aid their education. The message even mentions that over 960,000 students will receive laptops in 2024. It directs users to a suspicious link to apply for the scheme.
PIB has clarified that no such government scheme exists, and the message is entirely fraudulent.
How to Stay Safe
- Do not click on suspicious links: These links are often used for phishing and can steal your personal or financial information.
- Verify from official sources: Always confirm such offers through credible government or institutional websites.
- Report scams: If you encounter such fraudulent messages, report them to the authorities.
Conclusion
The “Students Laptop Scheme 2024” message circulating on WhatsApp is a scam designed to mislead users and collect sensitive information. Stay alert and ensure you verify the authenticity of any such claims before taking any action. Protecting personal data should always be a priority.
