Is the Government Giving Away Free Laptops to Students? This Message is Going Viral on WhatsApp—Find Out the Trut

Free Laptop for Students: This viral message asks students to apply via a specific link. It claims that registering will entitle them to a free laptop.

Free Laptop for Students: A message is currently going viral on WhatsApp claiming that the Government of India is distributing free laptops to students under the "National Student Laptop Scheme 2026." However, the reality is completely different. The government's fact-checking agency, the Press Information Bureau (PIB Fact Check), has clarified that no such official scheme exists and that this is merely a false claim.

What Does the Viral Message Say?

The viral message asks students to submit an application through a provided link. It states that completing the registration process will result in receiving a free laptop. Users are asked to provide their names, mobile numbers, and, in some instances, even bank-related information. The message is designed to closely resemble an official government scheme, making it easy for people to fall for the deception.

How Does This Scam Work?

This scam is executed with considerable cunning. As soon as a user clicks on the link, they are redirected to a fraudulent website that mimics the appearance of an official government portal. Here, users are prompted to enter their personal details. In some cases, money is requested under the guise of a "processing fee," or users are asked to share a One-Time Password (OTP). Once a user provides this information, the scammers can misuse their bank account details or identity-related information to commit fraud. The primary objective is straightforward: to steal your personal data and use it for fraudulent purposes.

What is the Official Warning?

The Press Information Bureau has categorically labeled such messages as completely fake. Warning the public, the agency has advised against clicking on any unknown links or forwarding such messages without first verifying their authenticity. These messages are created solely for the purpose of harvesting people's data.

How Can You Stay Safe?

Before placing your trust in any such offer, always verify its authenticity. You should always obtain information regarding government schemes exclusively from official websites or other trusted sources. Never share your personal information, bank details, or OTP on any unfamiliar link. If you receive such a message, delete it immediately; you may also report it to PIB Fact Check so that others can avoid falling into this trap.