Fake message promising free laptops goes viral

Tribune News Service

Shimla, August 21

There has been a spurt in cases of cyber crime during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, as people are working and studying from home through online mode.

A fake message is being circulated through SMS and WhatsApp claiming that “The government is giving free laptops to all students of India. Register your number on PM-Laptop app. App link – http://tiny.cc/Govtlaptop”. It is also being asked in the message to spread it further, so that more students can get laptops.

Investigations of the link by the state cyber police station, Shimla, revealed that the file attached with the link had malicious, ‘android Trojan agents/warm malware virus’ and several encrypted files, said Inspector General of Police, CID, Atul Fuljale. “Do not share your personal information on the link,” he said.