The viral message directs users to a website promoted as a “Free Laptop for Students 2026” scheme. The page asks visitors to provide personal details, including their full name, educational qualification and preferred laptop brand.
However, fact-checking investigations and Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) indicate that the website is not legitimate.
Geo Fact Check tested the website using fabricated information. After submitting the form, the site redirected users to another page claiming that their application had been approved. Users were then instructed to share the link with multiple WhatsApp contacts or groups before proceeding.
Fact-checkers said this is a common tactic used by phishing websites to increase their reach and generate fake engagement while potentially collecting users’ information. Facebook also marked the post promoting the website as false information.
Earlier fact checks in Sri Lanka and Nigeria also identified the same website as a scam. Investigations in both countries found that the alleged laptop offer was being used to lure users into a phishing scheme.
NCCIA's spokesperson said the website contained characteristics commonly associated with online phishing schemes and advised the public not to enter personal or financial information on unverified websites.
