Exam & Coaching Platform Scams
Fake question papers, fraudulent coaching, fake scholarships — what to watch for
Fake 'leaked question paper' scams
Telegram and WhatsApp groups circulate 'leaked' papers for JEE, NEET, CUET, board exams, and entrance tests. They charge ₹500–₹5,000 per 'set.' The documents are fake, but that's not the only problem — downloading and paying for stolen exam materials is also a criminal offence.
🚩 Red flags:
- •Charging money for 'leaked' materials
- •Sent via anonymous Telegram groups, not official channels
- •Ask you to refer friends to unlock the 'real' content
- •Documents claim to be from 'insider sources'
⚖️ Possessing or distributing exam papers before an exam can result in debarment, FIR, and criminal prosecution under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act 2024.
Fraudulent online coaching payment scams
Fake coaching institutes advertise heavily on YouTube, Instagram, and search results. They collect full fees upfront (often ₹20,000–₹1 lakh), then disappear or provide worthless content. Some impersonate well-known coaching brands with near-identical names.
🚩 Red flags:
- •Upfront full payment required immediately to 'lock in the price'
- •No physical address, only WhatsApp contact
- •Brand name is slightly different from a famous coaching institute
- •Faculty names and credentials can't be verified anywhere
✅ Verify coaching institutes at consumerhelpline.gov.in or search '<institute name> review Reddit' before paying anything.
Fake scholarship offers
Fraudulent messages claiming to offer government or private scholarships arrive via SMS, WhatsApp, or email. They ask for a 'processing fee,' 'registration cost,' or your bank details to 'transfer the scholarship amount.'
🚩 Red flags:
- •Scholarship requires any upfront fee to claim
- •Not listed on National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in)
- •Asks for Aadhaar, PAN, and bank details via a link — not through official portal
- •Scholarship amount is unusually high (₹5 lakh for a 'no criteria' scheme)
✅ All genuine Government of India scholarships are listed at scholarships.gov.in. Verify there first. Legitimate scholarships never require payment to claim.
Verify before you pay
📋 Scholarships: scholarships.gov.in
🏛️ Consumer complaints: consumerhelpline.gov.in (1800-11-4000)
🚨 Cyber fraud: cybercrime.gov.in or 1930