Free laptops, scholarships and education loans for students with high marks in SSLC and Plus Two; beware of new scam

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the start of the new academic year, a new scam is active via offering free laptops, scholarships and education loans for higher studies. Posters are circulating that those who get more than 75 percent marks in SSLC and 85 percent marks in Plus Two will get a scholarship of Rs 10,000 and Rs 25,000 respectively. News that the Prime Minister is offering laptops to 10 lakh students in the name of is also appearing on social media. Many will blindly believe this, seeing the logo of the government and the names of the leaders. The promise will be that you can apply by clicking on the link attached to the post. When you click on the link, the scammers will ask for your name, address, photo and bank details.

It becomes a pitfall in three ways:

1. Fraudsters can collect information and create fake documents in the child's name to obtain government benefits that the child is entitled to.
2. The phone of the person who clicks on the link can be hacked by uploading a virus and money can be taken by obtaining the OTP.
3. You will be asked to fill out a survey form at the link. Information such as preferred clothing brand and phone number will be asked. Fraudsters make money by selling this data to private companies. The victims are mostly economically disadvantaged students and guardians.

Didn't apply but still got it

Cyber ​​experts warn against responding to messages claiming unapplied education loans have been approved and you are eligible to study abroad. Links can be malware. The message "If you forward this message to 15 people on WhatsApp, you will get a laptop" will also be fake.

Watch out for

1. As children are active on social media, parents should monitor phone usage.
2. Education scheme of the government will be available at www.gov.in site
3. Do not click on links. Do not share OTP with anyone
4. A scholarship received without applying is fake
5. Trust only scholarships offered by schools and colleges

Cyber ​​Helpline No. 1930