Caution: A fraudulent website is operating in the name of CISCE and DigiLocker; do not share your personal information..
In this era of Digital India, cyber fraudsters are adopting new methods every day to ensnare people. Recently, a new scam has come to light. In this scheme, users are being deceived through fake websites created to mimic popular government services—specifically DigiLocker and the CISCE (Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations). The government has issued a strict alert regarding this matter.
**What is the Full Story?**
According to an alert issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), a fraudulent website operating under the URL http://digilocker.cisceboard.org is currently active on the internet. This website has been designed in such a way that it looks exactly like the authentic CISCE and DigiLocker portals. Upon seeing its interface, any ordinary user could easily be misled into believing it is a genuine government website.
**Government Warning: Avoid Sharing This Information**
With cybersecurity in mind, the government has issued strict instructions to citizens to steer clear of this fraudulent website entirely. If you happen to land on this website inadvertently, exercise extreme caution for your own safety. Do not share any personal information—such as your name, address, date of birth, or mobile number—on this portal, nor should you enter any details related to your Aadhaar card.
Furthermore, if you receive an OTP (One-Time Password) on your phone, under no circumstances should you enter it on this website. Additionally, the website may solicit money from you under the guise of various fees; therefore, completely refrain from conducting any form of online transaction on this site.
**How to Identify a Fake Website?**
According to cybersecurity experts, keep the following points in mind before logging into any website:
* Carefully examine the URL.
* Do not share your OTP or Aadhaar details on suspicious websites.
* Do not make payments on unfamiliar websites.
* Use only official government portals.
* Verify the presence of "HTTPS" and the correct domain name in your browser's address bar.
**How to Protect Yourself from Cyber Fraud?**
Vigilance is your greatest defense for staying safe on the internet. Whenever you utilize any online service, always ensure that you are accessing the official website. For instance, regarding DigiLocker, use only its official website (www.digilocker.gov.in) or the official mobile app downloaded from trusted app stores (such as the Google Play Store or Apple App Store). Before clicking on any link, always carefully verify its URL—that is, the website address.
Always bear in mind that official websites of the Government of India typically end with '.gov.in' or '.nic.in'. Furthermore, strictly avoid clicking on any unknown or suspicious links received via WhatsApp, SMS, or email. For your own safety, please share this important information with your friends and family as well, so that they, too, can avoid falling victim to such cyber fraud.
**Important Advisory for Students and Parents**
CISCE students should download their digital mark sheets and certificates exclusively from the official DigiLocker platform. The government has advised the public to remain vigilant, emphasizing the message: 'Verify Before You Trust.' Given the rising number of online fraud cases, this alert is considered to be of critical importance. If you encounter any suspicious link, refrain from clicking on it and report it immediately.
Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.
