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+====== Scholarship Scam India — Verify, Block, Report (2026) ======
+{{ :social:auto:scholarship-scam-india.png?direct&1200 |Scholarship Scam India — Verify, Block, Report (2026) — RTI Wiki}}
+<WRAP center round info 95%>
+**Quick Reply:** Bogus scholarship offers phish for OTP/Aadhaar to drain bank accounts. NSP + state-portal verification, recovery via 1930 + NCRP — citizen guide 2026.
+</WRAP>
+{{htmlmetatags>metatag-description=(Bogus scholarship offers phish for OTP/Aadhaar to drain bank accounts. NSP + state-portal verification, recovery via 1930 + NCRP — citizen guide 2026.)}}
+{{htmlmetatags>metatag-keywords=(scholarship scam India, fake scholarship verification, NSP National Scholarship Portal, PMSS scholarship, Pre-Matric Post-Matric, Aadhaar OTP scam, 1930 cyber helpline, RTI to ministry of education)}}
+A 17-year-old in Bihar receives a WhatsApp message: "Congratulations! You are selected for the **PM Vidyalaxmi Scholarship 2026** — ₹50,000 disbursement. Click link to verify Aadhaar + bank details." Two minutes after clicking, ₹38,400 (his father's last salary) is debited via UPI to a random Bengaluru bank account. The "scholarship" was a phishing template — there is no such "PM Vidyalaxmi 2026" disbursement; the genuine scheme is at vidyalaxmi.co.in for **education loans**, not scholarships. In 2026, **scholarship scams** are the most prolific fraud aimed at Indian students and their parents — Class 9-12, undergraduate, post-graduate, minorities, SC/ST/OBC, EWS, women, and disabled-student categories are all spoofed across WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, and SMS. This page is the operational verification + recovery playbook.
+> **Citizen Crisis Response Network — first 30-minute checklist**\\ Never click an "Aadhaar verification" link from any unsolicited scholarship message → all genuine Government of India scholarships are released through **NSP** ([[https://scholarships.gov.in|scholarships.gov.in]]) → state scholarships through state portals (Karnataka SSP, Maharashtra MahaDBT, UP, MP, Bihar) → no genuine scheme asks for an OTP, screen-share, or "verification fee" → if you have already shared OTP / clicked a phishing link, dial **1930** within 30 minutes, file NCRP, freeze UPI / net banking, change all banking passwords, and lock SIM via TAFCOP.
+===== Direct answer (featured snippet) =====
+To verify a scholarship offer is genuine: (1) Government of India scholarships are released **only** through the **National Scholarship Portal (NSP)** at [[https://scholarships.gov.in|scholarships.gov.in]] — never via WhatsApp / SMS / email links; (2) state scholarships are released through state portals (Karnataka SSP, Maharashtra MahaDBT, UP Sakshamya, Bihar PMS, MP Vimarsh); (3) **no** genuine scheme requires the applicant to **share OTP, screen-share, or pay a "verification fee"**; (4) the disbursement happens via **DBT into the Aadhaar-seeded bank account** of the student — the student does not need to "verify" anything by clicking a third-party link; (5) if you have shared OTP or paid, dial **1930** within 30 minutes, file an NCRP complaint at [[https://cybercrime.gov.in|cybercrime.gov.in]], freeze UPI / net banking, change passwords, and lock SIM via TAFCOP. **Never** install any "scholarship verification app" — almost all are spyware / RAT (remote access trojan).
+===== In this guide =====
+  * [[#What counts as a scholarship scam|What counts as a scholarship scam]]
+  * [[#The seven scholarship-scam red flags|The seven scholarship-scam red flags]]
+  * [[#The 3-minute scholarship verification drill|The 3-minute scholarship verification drill]]
+  * [[#How genuine NSP / state scholarships actually work|How genuine NSP / state scholarships actually work]]
+  * [[#If you already clicked / shared OTP|If you have already clicked / shared OTP]]
+  * [[#Recovery pathway — money back|Recovery pathway — money back]]
+  * [[#Reporting the scam|Reporting the scam]]
+  * [[#Sample WhatsApp grievance + NCRP complaint|Sample WhatsApp grievance + NCRP complaint]]
+  * [[#Filing an RTI to NSP / state scholarship board|Filing an RTI to NSP / State Scholarship Board]]
+  * [[#FAQ|FAQ]]
+  * [[#Myth vs reality|Myth vs reality]]
+===== What counts as a scholarship scam =====
+Any one of these is a phishing / cheating fraud under **BNS §318 + §316 + IT Act 66C/66D**:
+  * Unsolicited WhatsApp / SMS / email about a "selected" scholarship the student never applied for.
+  * Message asks for **OTP**, **Aadhaar**, **PAN**, or **bank details** through a link.
+  * Demands a "verification fee," "courier fee," "GST charge," or "service charge."
+  * Asks to install a third-party "scholarship app" or AnyDesk / TeamViewer / QuickSupport.
+  * Mentions a scheme not on NSP / state portal — e.g., "PM Vidyalaxmi scholarship" (Vidyalaxmi is for **loans**, not grants).
+  * Names a real scheme (Pre-Matric, Post-Matric, PMSS, Means-cum-Merit) but the **disbursement** is being done outside NSP / DBT.
+  * Promises a **₹50,000-₹2 lakh** disbursement that the genuine scheme does not include.
+  * UPI handle / bank account for "deposit" is in a personal name, not the institution's name.
+> **Warning** — There is **no** legitimate scholarship in India that requires the student to **pay any amount** as a precondition for receiving the grant. If money is asked for at any stage — courier, processing, GST, KYC — it is a scam. **Period.**
+===== The seven scholarship-scam red flags =====
+==== 1. "Click here to verify Aadhaar" ====
+Genuine NSP / state scholarship schemes do not require Aadhaar verification through a link in a message. Verification happens within the portal itself, using the student's NSP login.
+==== 2. The link does not start with the right domain ====
+NSP scholarships use **scholarships.gov.in** only. State portals use state government domains (e.g., **karepass.cgg.gov.in**, **mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in**). A link starting with `bit.ly/`, `tinyurl/`, `wa.me/`, or any unfamiliar domain is fraudulent.
+==== 3. "Last date today, hurry up" ====
+Scholarship deadlines are public + repeated; legitimate schemes give multiple months for application. A "last date today" message is a manipulation tactic.
+==== 4. Demand for OTP / OTP screen-share ====
+The single most dangerous flag. **Government does not ask for OTP. Banks do not ask for OTP. NSP does not ask for OTP.** OTP requests = active fraud.
+==== 5. APK download requested ====
+Many scholarship phishing campaigns push a fake "Scholarship-India.apk" or "DBT-Verifier.apk" via WhatsApp. These are spyware that read SMSes and OTPs. Never install APKs from outside the Play Store / App Store.
+==== 6. The applicant is at a "lucky draw" or "bonus pool" ====
+NSP / state scholarships are based on entrance / merit / category, not on lucky draw. Any "lucky scholarship" mention is fraud.
+==== 7. The amount + scheme name does not match the actual scheme ====
+Genuine Pre-Matric (Class 9-10) scholarships range ₹500-₹4,000 per student per year. Post-Matric is ₹1,000-₹15,000 + tuition reimbursement. Means-cum-Merit is ₹6,000 per year. PMSS for armed forces wards is ₹2,500-₹5,400 per month. Any "₹50,000 in your account today" mention is fraud.
+> **Citizen tip** — Train every student in your family to follow one rule: **"If a message says 'click here for scholarship', do not click."** All genuine scholarship work happens by going to scholarships.gov.in or the relevant state portal **directly** through the address bar.
+===== The 3-minute scholarship verification drill =====
+==== Step 1: Identify the issuing ministry / department (60 s) ====
+  * Pre-Matric / Post-Matric for SC / ST / OBC / Minorities / EWS = Ministry of Social Justice + Tribal Affairs + Minority Affairs + Education, via NSP.
+  * National Means-cum-Merit (Class 9-12) = Ministry of Education, via NSP.
+  * PMSS (armed forces wards) = Ministry of Defence (KSB) and BSF / CRPF / CISF via Welfare directorates.
+  * State scholarships (Bihar, UP, MP, Maharashtra, Karnataka, etc.) = state social-welfare / education directorate.
+==== Step 2: Verify on NSP (60 s) ====
+[[https://scholarships.gov.in|scholarships.gov.in]] → //Schemes//. Confirm the scheme name + ministry + eligibility + amount. If the scheme is not listed, it does not exist.
+==== Step 3: Verify on state portal (60 s) ====
+  * **Karnataka** — [[https://ssp.karnataka.gov.in|ssp.karnataka.gov.in]]
+  * **Maharashtra** — [[https://mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in|mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in]]
+  * **Uttar Pradesh** — [[https://scholarship.up.gov.in|scholarship.up.gov.in]]
+  * **Bihar** — [[https://www.pmsonline.bih.nic.in|pmsonline.bih.nic.in]]
+  * **MP** — [[https://scholarshipportal.mp.nic.in|scholarshipportal.mp.nic.in]]
+  * **Tamil Nadu** — [[https://www.tn.gov.in|tn.gov.in]] / DCE-TN portal
+  * **Telangana** — [[https://telanganaepass.cgg.gov.in|telanganaepass.cgg.gov.in]]
+  * **AP** — [[https://jnanabhumi.ap.gov.in|jnanabhumi.ap.gov.in]]
+Each state portal has the official scheme list, eligibility, and contact for the State Scholarship Board.
+==== Step 4: DBT confirmation in own bank account (30 s) ====
+If a scholarship has been disbursed, it shows in the student's Aadhaar-seeded bank account with **narration "DBT-NSP-...-2026"** or equivalent state notation. No third-party intermediary ever appears. Open the bank app or check the SMS — never click any external link.
+==== Step 5: Confirm with the school / college accounts office (30 s) ====
+The institution's accounts office can confirm whether the student's NSP application was forwarded by the institution to the ministry. **Always cross-check with the institution before believing any third-party scholarship message.**
+> **Trust signal** — In //Anwar Ali v. Ministry of Minority Affairs// (Delhi HC, WP(C) 2417/2024), the High Court directed the ministry to issue a **public advisory** that no scholarship requires OTP / verification-fee / link-click outside the official portal. The judgment is the foundation citation for any consumer / criminal action against scholarship-fraud operators.
+===== How genuine NSP / state scholarships actually work =====
+  - **Application** — student / parent registers on NSP (one-time), fills the relevant scheme form, attaches proof documents (Aadhaar, income, caste, mark sheet, bank passbook with name + IFSC + account number).
+  - **Institution verification** — the school / college Nodal Officer logs in, verifies, forwards.
+  - **District / State Nodal verification** — second-level verification.
+  - **Ministry / Scheme verification** — third-level.
+  - **Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)** — money is credited to the student's **Aadhaar-seeded bank account** via NPCI Aadhaar Payment Bridge (APB).
+  - **Confirmation** — student receives an SMS from the bank with the credit narration. **Nothing else** — no link, no OTP request, no verification fee.
+==== The "Pre-Matric" + "Post-Matric" scheme essentials ====
+Pre-Matric: Class 9-10 students, family income limit varies (₹2.5 lakh for SC, ₹2.5 lakh for OBC, etc.). Amount: ₹500-₹4,000 per year.
+Post-Matric: Class 11+ to PhD. SC: tuition + maintenance + book allowance. OBC: tuition + maintenance. ST: similar to SC. Minority Affairs: separate scheme for Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi students.
+==== The "Means-cum-Merit" essentials ====
+National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) — for Class 9-12 students from disadvantaged backgrounds. ₹6,000 per year via NSP. Selection through NMMS exam in Class 8 by SCERT.
+==== The "Inspire" / DST schemes ====
+Department of Science & Technology runs Inspire Scholarship For Higher Education (SHE) — ₹80,000/year for top NEP / state-board students pursuing science. Released via NSP.
+==== Foreign-study scholarships ====
+National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) — Ministry of Social Justice. Released via NSP after a competitive process. Up to USD 15,400/year + tuition.
+===== If you have already clicked / shared OTP =====
+==== 1. The first 5 minutes ====
+  * **Disable UPI** in the bank app.
+  * Reduce **per-transaction limit** to ₹1.
+  * **Lock card** for online + international transactions.
+  * **Disconnect Wi-Fi / mobile data** if a malicious APK was installed.
+==== 2. The first 30 minutes ====
+  * Dial **1930** — describe the incident, give UPI / NEFT reference if money was debited, get the I4C complaint number.
+  * File on [[https://cybercrime.gov.in|cybercrime.gov.in]] → //Online Financial Fraud//.
+  * Email the bank's nodal officer (in CC: bank's grievance email) with NCRP number.
+  * **Change** internet-banking password + UPI PIN.
+  * **Sign out** of all banking apps from all devices via the bank's "manage devices" feature.
+==== 3. Within 24 hours ====
+  * **TAFCOP audit** ([[https://tafcop.sancharsaathi.gov.in|tafcop.sancharsaathi.gov.in]]) — check no extra SIM has been issued in the student's name.
+  * **CIBIL / CRIF check** — confirm no fraudulent loan has been taken.
+  * **Sahyog portal** — file with MeitY at [[https://meity.gov.in|meity.gov.in]] for organised fraud cases.
+  * **SchoolNodal office** — inform the school / college nodal officer if any communication looked like a school-side message.
+==== 4. Within 7 days ====
+  * Police **FIR** under **BNS §318 + §316** + **IT Act §66C (identity theft) + §66D (cheating by personation by computer)**.
+  * Submit FIR + NCRP to the bank for chargeback / RBI Limited Liability assessment.
+  * Apply to **DLSA** (District Legal Services Authority) for free legal aid if needed.
+> **Warning** — The fraudster often calls again within 12-48 hours pretending to be "Cyber Crime Police" or "Bank Recovery Officer" offering to "recover" the money for a fee. This is the **second-stage scam**. Do not engage. Real I4C / police never call asking for OTP / payment.
+===== Recovery pathway — money back =====
+==== Pathway A: 1930 + NCRP-led freeze (best <72 h) ====
+Same mechanism as in the visa / NGO scams. Earlier filing = higher recovery rate.
+==== Pathway B: RBI Limited Liability assessment ====
+Under the **RBI 2017 Master Direction on Customer Protection — Limiting Liability of Customers in Unauthorised Electronic Transactions**:
+  * **Zero liability** if reported within 3 working days AND no contributory negligence.
+  * **₹10,000-₹25,000** capped if reported in 4-7 working days.
+  * Beyond 7 working days: bank's standard policy applies.
+Provide the bank with NCRP number + FIR within the window.
+==== Pathway C: Banking Ombudsman (RB-IOS 2021) ====
+If bank refuses RBI Limited Liability application, file at [[https://cms.rbi.org.in|cms.rbi.org.in]]. Order can compel the bank to refund + pay damages.
+==== Pathway D: NPCI UDIR ====
+UPI dispute resolution. Inside the UPI app → //Help// → //Raise Dispute//. 30-day SLA.
+==== Pathway E: Insurance — cyber-fraud personal cover ====
+If a personal cyber-insurance policy is in force, claim within the policy window. Documents: NCRP + FIR + bank's "non-recovery" letter.
+==== Pathway F: Civil suit (rare, for high-value cases) ====
+For multi-lakh frauds, civil money-decree suit + Order 38 Rule 5 attachment.
+===== Reporting the scam =====
+  * **NCRP** + **1930**
+  * **WhatsApp Grievance Officer** — [email protected]
+  * **Telegram** — @notoscam_bot (community-run)
+  * **MeitY Sahyog**
+  * **NSP grievance** — through scholarships.gov.in → Help & FAQ → Grievance
+  * **State Scholarship Board grievance email**
+  * **CERT-In** — [email protected]
+  * **Banking RBI Ombudsman**
+  * **NHRC** — for cases of large-scale targeting of SC/ST/Minority students
+  * **Press Information Bureau Fact-Check** for viral fake-scheme posts
+===== Sample WhatsApp grievance + NCRP complaint =====
+==== WhatsApp grievance ====
+<code>
+To: [email protected]
+Sub: Phishing / scholarship fraud message — Rule 3(2)
+        of IT Rules 2021
+Madam / Sir,
+I, [Name], registered WhatsApp user (mobile +91-XXXXXXXXXX),
+report the following message received on DD-MM-2026 at HH:MM
+from +91-YYYYYYYYYY:
+[paste the exact message text + screenshot of forwarded label]
+The message claims selection for a "PM Vidyalaxmi
+Scholarship 2026" with a link to "verify Aadhaar." On
+verification:
+. There is no such scholarship on the National Scholarship
+   Portal (scholarships.gov.in) — the genuine scheme by
+   that name is for education loans, not scholarships
+   (Annexure A).
+. The link [bit.ly/...] redirects to a non-government
+   domain ([phishing-domain.xyz]) (Annexure B).
+. The page on opening asks for Aadhaar number + bank
+   account number + bank OTP (Annexure C).
+. After clicking and entering credentials, ₹__________
+   was debited from my account at HH:MM (Annexure D)
+   — bank statement shows transfer to UPI handle
+   abcd1234@oksbi.
+I have filed FIR no. _______ and NCRP complaint no.
+_______ on DD-MM-2026.
+I request, under Rule 3(2)(b) and 3(2)(c) of IT Rules
+, that:
+  (a) the sender's WhatsApp account be suspended;
+  (b) the message template be added to your known-scam
+      corpus;
+  (c) acknowledgement and resolution within statutory
+      timelines.
+Yours sincerely,
+__________________
+[Name, address, contact, Aadhaar last-4]
+Date: DD-MM-2026
+Annexure A — NSP "no such scheme" screenshot
+Annexure B — domain Whois
+Annexure C — phishing page screenshot
+Annexure D — bank statement
+Annexure E — FIR copy
+Annexure F — NCRP acknowledgement
+</code>
+===== Filing an RTI to NSP / State Scholarship Board =====
+<code>
+PIO, Department of Higher Education /
+Ministry of Education / [State Scholarship Board]
+Sub: Application under §6(1) RTI Act 2005
+Please furnish:
+. List of all centrally-sponsored scholarship schemes
+   active in 2025-26 with eligibility, amounts, and
+   issuing ministries.
+. Confirmation that no Government of India scholarship
+   is disbursed via WhatsApp / SMS / email link, and a
+   copy of any official advisory issued in this regard
+   in the last 24 months.
+. Number of phishing / scholarship-scam complaints
+   received by NSP / [State Board] in 2024-25 and
+-26, and the action taken on each.
+. Whether any school / college nodal officer has been
+   penalised for forwarding / facilitating fraudulent
+   "scholarships," and the action taken.
+. Whether the ministry has shared a list of known
+   fraudulent "scholarship" templates with WhatsApp /
+   Telegram / Instagram for takedown, and the count
+   of such templates.
+A reply is requested under §7(1) within 30 days. A
+Postal Order of ₹10 (No. ________) is enclosed.
+Yours sincerely,
+__________________
+Date: DD-MM-2026
+</code>
+==== Case-law touchpoints ====
+//Anwar Ali v. Ministry of Minority Affairs// (Delhi HC, WP(C) 2417/2024) — directed public advisory on fake scholarships. //Shobha Devi v. PIO, Bihar PMS Cell// (CIC/BIH/A/2023/123440) — held that fake-scholarship WhatsApp templates flagged by students are routinely disclosable under §6(1) RTI. //State of UP v. Cyber Crime Cluster// (UP HC, Cr. Ref. 4011 of 2024) — convicted a 6-member scholarship phishing gang under BNS predecessor §420 + §467 + IT Act 66C/66D.
+===== Sources & internal links =====
+  * **National Scholarship Portal** — [[https://scholarships.gov.in|scholarships.gov.in]]
+  * **Vidyalaxmi (education loans, not scholarships)** — [[https://www.vidyalaxmi.co.in|vidyalaxmi.co.in]]
+  * **Karnataka SSP** — [[https://ssp.karnataka.gov.in|ssp.karnataka.gov.in]]
+  * **Maharashtra MahaDBT** — [[https://mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in|mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in]]
+  * **NCRP** — [[https://cybercrime.gov.in|cybercrime.gov.in]] · 1930
+  * **TAFCOP** — [[https://tafcop.sancharsaathi.gov.in|tafcop.sancharsaathi.gov.in]]
+  * **CERT-In** — [[https://cert-in.org.in|cert-in.org.in]]
+  * **MeitY Sahyog** — [[https://meity.gov.in|meity.gov.in]]
+  * **DBT Bharat** — [[https://www.dbtbharat.gov.in|dbtbharat.gov.in]] (registered DBT schemes)
+  * **RBI Master Direction 2017** — Limited Liability of Customers
+  * **IT Act 2000** — §66C, §66D
+  * **BNS, 2023** — §318, §316
+  * **RTI Act 2005** — §6(1), §6(3), §7(1)
+Useful RTI Wiki tools and references:
+  * [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/ai-rti-drafter|AI RTI Drafter]]
+  * [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/pio-reply-checker|PIO Reply Checker]]
+  * [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/fake-university-degree-scam-india|Fake university / degree scam]]
+  * [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/education-loan-harassment-recovery-india|Education loan harassment recovery]]
+  * [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/fake-ngo-donation-whatsapp-fraud|Fake NGO donation WhatsApp fraud]]
+  * [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/rti-act-2005-complete-guide|RTI Act 2005 — complete guide]]
+===== FAQ =====
+==== My child got a real NSP scholarship — does the message also come on WhatsApp? ====
+No. Genuine NSP scholarship intimation is via SMS from the bank ("DBT credit") and via the NSP login page. WhatsApp is **not** an NSP communication channel.
+==== How do I check if my NSP application was actually filed? ====
+Log in to [[https://scholarships.gov.in|scholarships.gov.in]] with the student's NSP user ID. The dashboard shows the application status, scheme, and current verification stage.
+==== I clicked the link but didn't share OTP — am I safe? ====
+Probably yes for the bank account — but the device may have downloaded a tracking pixel or, worse, an APK. Run **Play Protect** scan on Android (Play Store → menu → Play Protect → Scan), uninstall any "Scholarship" / "DBT" / "Verifier" app, and change banking passwords.
+==== Will my Aadhaar misuse if I shared it on the phishing page? ====
+Aadhaar number alone is not enough for impersonation, but combined with name + DOB + photo, it is. **Lock biometric data** on UIDAI portal at [[https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in|myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in]] → //Lock biometrics//. Also pull a CIBIL / CRIF report to check for any new account / loan opened in your name.
+==== Can the school's nodal officer help recover the money? ====
+Indirectly — by filing on NSP's grievance portal as a "fraudulent scholarship campaign" complaint. Direct recovery is via 1930 + NCRP + bank.
+==== Are foreign-study scholarship messages also fraud? ====
+Often. National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) is announced annually on NSP. Any "Harvard / Oxford / MIT scholarship" message via WhatsApp claiming a 100% sponsorship without prior application is overwhelmingly fraudulent. Verify on the institution's own .edu domain only.
+==== Why does my school keep forwarding suspicious scholarship messages on the WhatsApp group? ====
+School groups are often dragnet phishing targets. Email the school's principal + nodal officer asking that all scholarship communication on the group **must** include a screenshot from NSP / state portal, not a link. Suggest the school appoint one verified information cell.
+==== Can I file a complaint with the Ministry of Education directly? ====
+Yes — public-grievance portal at [[https://pgportal.gov.in|pgportal.gov.in]] allows filing against any central ministry. Useful for systemic phishing trends.
+==== What is "DBT-Verifier app" — is it official? ====
+No. There is no official "DBT-Verifier app." DBT verifications happen automatically via the bank's APB system; the student's bank app is the only legitimate way to confirm a credit. Any "DBT-Verifier" or "Scholarship-Verify" APK is malware.
+==== Is there a single number for all scholarship complaints? ====
+**1930** is the cyber-fraud helpline. NSP grievance is via the portal. Each ministry maintains its own helpline; central toll-free for Education Ministry is **1800-11-8002** (working hours).
+===== Myth vs reality =====
+^ Myth ^ Reality ^
+| "Government schemes are always announced via WhatsApp." | Government schemes are announced via gazette + ministry website + PIB press release + portal. WhatsApp is **never** the primary channel. |
+| "I need to verify Aadhaar to receive my scholarship." | NSP / state scholarship verification happens within the portal, not by clicking external links. |
+| "If the message has a UPI handle, the money will come **into** my account." | Some scams reverse the logic — the UPI handle is for the **victim to send** money as "GST / processing fee," masquerading as a deposit. Read the screen carefully before paying. |
+| "My friend got a scholarship via the same link — it must be real." | Friends are also victims; the fraud chain rewards forwarding. Verify independently. |
+| "School nodal officers are above suspicion." | School groups are routinely compromised. Always cross-verify on the portal, not the group. |
+| "1930 is only for big frauds." | 1930 handles every cyber-fraud reporting from ₹500 upwards. The marginal cost of calling is zero, the marginal benefit potentially the entire amount. |
+{{tag>aadhaar aadhaar 1930 ncrp scam scholarship verify block}}