The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in collaboration with DigiLocker, has issued a public alert following the discovery of a fraudulent website that exploits the names of DigiLocker and the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) to deceive users. The fake portal, accessible at http://digilocker.cisceboard.org, is not an official platform. Authorities have explicitly stated that this website has no affiliation whatsoever with DigiLocker or CISCE.
Fake Website Targets Students
Officials have reported that the fraudulent site is designed to mimic an official portal for accessing marksheets and certificates. Its primary aim is to confuse students and parents by leveraging trusted institutional names. Such deceptive websites can trick users into divulging sensitive personal information, leading to potential misuse.
Do Not Share Personal Information
Users have been strongly advised against entering any personal or confidential data on such websites. This includes Aadhaar numbers, OTPs, passwords, bank account details, or payment information. Officials have warned that any information submitted on fake sites could be exploited for fraudulent activities.
Always Verify the Website Link
Authorities have urged students and parents to meticulously inspect the web address before utilizing any online service. Official DigiLocker and CISCE services should only be accessed through trusted and verified links. Users are cautioned against clicking on unknown links received via messages or social media platforms.
Cyber Fraud Risk on the Rise
Officials have noted an increase in the prevalence of such fake websites. Fraudsters are increasingly targeting students by impersonating schools, examination boards, and government services. With the digitization of many educational services, students must exercise heightened vigilance.
Simple Safety Guidelines Issued
MeitY and DigiLocker have disseminated basic safety recommendations:
- Do not share OTPs or passwords with anyone.
- Refrain from entering bank or Aadhaar details on unknown websites.
- Always verify the correct website URL before proceeding.
- Avoid trusting random links shared online.
Stay Alert and Safe Online
Authorities have called upon everyone to remain cautious while using online services. Even a single oversight could result in the loss of personal data. Users are advised to always verify authenticity before sharing any information online.
