Beware! This fake WhatsApp message promises free laptops to students and could lead to financial loss: Here’s how

If you are a student and have received a message stating that you are eligible for a free laptop as part of the Free Laptop Scheme 2024, do not proceed because this is a scam. Many students (who cannot afford the laptop) have reported receiving messages encouraging them to fill out a form using a provided link to claim their free laptop. The Press Information Bureau, or PIB, has now confirmed that the message being circulated is a scam designed to collect personal information from users.

According to PIB Fact Check, the message is not genuine and must be ignored. The WhatsApp messages aim to attract more students to click the link and provide the personal and educational details asked in the form. The main aim behind the scam is to collect data that could be further used in fraud activities and financial scams.

Here’s what the Free Laptop Scheme 2024 message looks like:

“The Applications for the Students Laptop Scheme 2024 is Available. This scheme is open to all students who, for financial reasons, are unable to purchase a laptop and are in need of one for their education. In 2024, over 960,000 students will be given free laptops to enhance their learning. Applications have begun, and students who have applied have already started receiving their laptops. Register and apply here: https://lc.ke/Students-FREE-LAPTOP”

READ: Govt issues high-risk warning for Google Chrome users in India: Is your device safe?

PIB has also advised all users to avoid clicking on suspicious links. It also urged the users to be alert while sharing important personal details, specifically the unverified sources.

In order to avoid falling for such scams, here are some tips and tricks that one can follow:

1. Government Schemes: Do your research and verify if the schemes mentioned in the messages, emails, banners, or other things are true from official government websites or trusted sources. Do not trust the messages or communication from unverified sources.
2. Personal Information: Do not provide personal details including bank details, or educational details to unverified sources or messages.
3. Malware links: These unverified messages often carry malware within the links. If you click on these links, the viruses can be installed on your device using which the scammers will be able to get your personal data, logins, bank details, and much more.