No Free Laptops from Government: PIB Flags Viral Message as Fake, Warns Against Online Scams
New Delhi, India – June 29, 2025 — The Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) Fact Check unit has raised a red flag over a misleading message circulating on WhatsApp and other platforms, falsely claiming that the Government of India is distributing free laptops to students. The viral message has been officially declared fake, and the associated website link is fraudulent.
According to PIB Fact Check, the message in question includes a suspicious URL and a prompt for users to “check eligibility” or apply online. Authorities warn that this is a classic case of phishing, designed to deceive users into clicking malicious links that may compromise their personal data or infect their devices with malware.
In a social media post, PIB Fact Check stated clearly: “This message is #Fake and the URL is fraudulent.” The post also included a visual alert categorically denying the existence of any such official scheme, with a clear message: “Government is NOT Providing Free Laptops.”
The government is urging the public—especially students and parents—to remain alert and avoid engaging with unverified content online. Users are strongly advised to refrain from clicking on suspicious links and instead verify any such announcements via official government websites or trusted news sources.
The incident underscores the importance of digital awareness and cybersecurity hygiene in an age where misinformation can spread rapidly. Scammers often exploit people’s hopes around educational benefits to lure them into fraudulent schemes.
To stay safe, citizens should always verify claims through official portals like www.education.gov.in or the PIB website, and avoid sharing unverified information.
