⚠️ Official Security Warning: AI Summit Phishing
If you attended the India AI Impact Summit 2026, read this immediately. The IndiaAI Mission has confirmed that a sophisticated phishing campaign is currently active, targeting your bank accounts.
1. How the Scam Works
Scammers are sending messages via WhatsApp and SMS claiming to be from the official event organizers. They offer a "refund" for prepaid cards or registration fees used at the Bharat Mandapam during the summit.
The Trap: They provide a link to a fake website that asks for your full credit/debit card numbers, CVV, and OTP.
2. The "Legitimate" Confusion
The situation is complicated because some official partners (like Dreamcast) did send out legitimate refund links on Feb 22nd. However, scammers are now "piggybacking" on this.
Rule of Thumb: Official channels will NEVER ask for your card numbers or OTP via a message link. Refunds are usually processed back to the original source or through a secure, verified portal.
3. Three Steps to Protect Yourself
- 🛑 DO NOT CLICK: Never click on "refund" links from unknown WhatsApp numbers.
- 🛡️ VERIFY SOURCE: Use the Chakshu facility on the Sanchar Saathi portal to report and verify suspicious numbers.
- 📞 CALL 1930: If you have already shared your details, call the National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 immediately and freeze your cards.
Technical Insight for Readers:
This scam uses "AI-driven sophistication," meaning the messages are perfectly written without spelling errors. This makes them much harder to detect than traditional spam. Stay vigilant!