Government Warns India AI Impact Summit Attendees About Phishing Scam Messages
Participants of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 have been urged to stay vigilant after the government issued an important cybersecurity alert. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has warned that fraudsters are targeting attendees through fake refund messages sent via SMS and WhatsApp.
Officials clarified that these messages are not official communications and advised recipients to avoid sharing any personal or financial information.
Phishing Attempts Target Summit Participants
According to the ministry, several participants have reported receiving suspicious messages claiming to offer refunds related to the summit. These messages typically include a link and ask users to enter sensitive details such as:
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Debit/credit card numbers
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Banking information
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Personal contact details
Authorities emphasized that the summit organizers or government bodies do not request such information through messaging apps. The warning comes as part of a broader push to curb rising cyber fraud attempts targeting event attendees.
Do Not Click Unknown Links
The government has strongly advised recipients not to click on any unfamiliar or suspicious links received via SMS or messaging platforms. Fraudsters often design these messages to look official, making them appear trustworthy.
Users should remember:
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Official refund processes do not require card details over chat
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Genuine government messages will not ask for confidential banking data
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Suspicious links may lead to phishing websites designed to steal information
Ignoring and deleting such messages is considered the safest immediate response.
Never Share Card or Banking Details
MeitY reiterated that no legitimate government agency or authorized organizer will ask for financial credentials through WhatsApp or SMS. If any message requests:
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Card number
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CVV
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OTP
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Net banking credentials
it should be treated as a potential phishing attempt.
Participants have been urged to share financial information only through verified and official platforms.
What to Do If You Already Shared Information
The ministry also outlined urgent steps for anyone who may have accidentally submitted details through a suspicious link:
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Immediately contact your bank’s customer support.
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Request temporary blocking of your card if needed.
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Change banking passwords and PINs.
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Monitor account transactions closely.
Prompt action can significantly reduce the risk of financial loss.
Follow Only Official Sources for Updates
Authorities have advised all India AI Impact Summit participants to rely solely on official websites and verified social media channels for any announcements or refund-related information.
Cybersecurity experts note that awareness and quick response remain the most effective defenses against phishing fraud. Users are encouraged to remain cautious, especially when dealing with unexpected financial messages.
Bottom line: If you attended the India AI Impact Summit 2026, stay alert. Any refund message asking for banking details via SMS or WhatsApp is likely fraudulent. Always verify through official channels before taking action.
