Whenever a welfare scheme becomes popular, fraudsters create fake pages to collect money and personal data. Free scooty schemes are a common target because they attract many students and parents. Learn the warning signs so that you stay safe.
Common tricks used by scammers
- A message on WhatsApp or Instagram saying ‘Register today and get a free scooty’
- A fake website that copies the logo of a government department
- A request for a small ‘registration fee’, ‘processing charge’ or ‘delivery fee’
- A call from someone claiming to be an officer who asks for your OTP
- A form that collects Aadhaar and bank details and sells them later
Red flags to remember
- Any request for money to apply for a free scheme
- Links that are shared only through social media forwards
- Websites whose address does not end in gov.in or nic.in
- Promises of guaranteed selection
- Pressure to act within hours
- Spelling errors and blurry logos
How to verify a scheme
- Search for the scheme on your state government’s main website
- Check the education or welfare department page
- Call the helpline numbers listed on the official site
- Ask your school or college office
- Compare the news with reports from reliable media outlets
What to do if you have been scammed
Contact your bank immediately and ask them to block the transaction or card. Then call the national cyber crime helpline 1930 and file a complaint at the national cyber crime reporting portal, cybercrime.gov.in. Keep screenshots, phone numbers and transaction details as evidence.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Call your bank and block the payment |
| 2 | Call 1930 |
| 3 | File a report on cybercrime.gov.in |
| 4 | Change passwords and warn friends |
Help others stay safe
Share this article with classmates and family, especially younger students. If you see a fake page, report it to the platform where you found it.
Remember: a real government scheme will never ask you to pay money or share your OTP.
This guide is for general information only. We are not a government website. Rules and dates change, so confirm details on the official portal before you apply, and never pay anyone for a free scheme.
