Fake government scheme subsidy with a registration fee
A message says you qualify for a government scheme or subsidy, and a registration or processing fee is needed first.
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How it works
- A WhatsApp message or call says you have been selected for a government scheme, such as a housing subsidy, farmer support, free solar panels or a monthly pension.
- To receive the benefit, you must pay a registration, processing or "file" charge and share your Aadhaar, bank details or an OTP.
- After the fee, more charges follow, the benefit never comes, and your details may be used for further fraud.
What it looks like
Example messages. Numbers and links are masked.
Congratulations! You are selected under the Government Free Solar Scheme. Subsidy of Rs 78,000 approved. Pay Rs 1,250 registration fee to activate: govt-yojana-subsidy[.]in
Sir, your housing subsidy file is ready. Pay Rs 2,500 processing fee today and tell me the OTP you receive for verification.
Red flags
- Selected for a scheme you never applied for
- Fee paid to a personal UPI or account
- A strange, non-government web address
- OTP asked over the phone
- Pressure to pay today
The one question to ask
Can you confirm this scheme yourself on the official government website or at a government office?
Already paid or shared details?
If you shared an OTP or bank details, call your bank on the number printed on your card to block cards and UPI. Call 1930 at once if any money has gone, and file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in with the messages and payment details.
1930 · cybercrime.gov.in
Also seen as
- Free laptop or scooter scheme for students
- Farmer support payment "stuck" until you pay
- Fake government job registration fee