“Is the center accepting applications for free laptops under the National Student Laptop Scheme 2026”? PIB verifies the facts of the claim | Today’s news
A viral WhatsApp message claiming that the central government is accepting applications for free laptops under the ‘National Student Laptop Scheme 2026’ has been labeled as fake by the fact-checking unit of the Press Information Bureau (PIB).
The report, widely circulated on social media and messaging platforms, claims that students can apply for free laptops through a government-backed scheme. However, PIB Fact Check clarified that no such program has been announced by the Government of India.
In a post on X PIB Fact Check, he said the claim is “FAKE” and urged citizens not to fall for misleading news.
“The Government of India has not announced any such plan,” the fact-checking unit said.
PIB also warned users that such viral messages are often designed to collect personal or financial information from unsuspecting individuals. He advised people not to click on unknown links and not to share unverified messages with others.
The fact-checking unit urged the public to verify information through official government sources before acting on it and to remain vigilant against online scams and misinformation.
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“DO NOT click on unknown links. Avoid forwarding such messages without verification from official sources,” PIB Fact Check said while urging users to report suspicious content.
The clarification comes amid growing concerns about the spread of misinformation on social media platforms, where fraudsters often use the names of government schemes to lure people into sharing sensitive information.
PBI on whether RBI has sent account suspension notices through APK files on WhatsApp
It had earlier warned the public about a WhatsApp scam message sent out on behalf of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which warned that fraudsters were using APK files and fake account suspension notifications to obtain sensitive banking and personal information.
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PIB Fact Check reached out to X and identified the message as fake and advised users not to download any attachments or post their financial details.
According to the fact-checking unit, the message falsely claims to be from RBI and contains an APK file. It claims the recipient’s bank account has been linked to suspicious transactions and urges them to share financial information to avoid restrictions on their account.
PIB Fact Check refuted the claim and said, “This report is false.”
She further warned that “fraudsters use such messages to steal your banking and personal information.”
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Based on screenshots shared by the fact-checking unit, the fraudulent report falsely claims that the RBI has issued notices regarding “risk control measures” and “unusual transaction activities” associated with the company’s account. The message asks recipients to provide certain information within three business days, warning that failure to do so may result in account restriction or suspension.
PIB Fact Check advised people not to respond to or interact with such messages and stressed that users should avoid installing applications received through spam.
Specifically, it warned users to “Never download unknown APK files or click on suspicious links.”
The agency also clarified that the RBI uses WhatsApp only through its two blue-tick verified numbers.
PIB Fact Check said, “RBI communicates via WhatsApp ONLY through its two blue tick verified numbers,” and identified the official numbers as 99309 91935 and 99990 41935.
It urges the public to verify information through official sources and directs users to the RBI website for authentic and verified updates.