Cybersecurity expert Muhammad Asad Ul Rehman has warned that numerous fake links related to scholarships and free laptops are circulating on social media. When internet users click on these links, they are directed to fake websites where unsuspecting citizens enter their personal information, which is later used for criminal activities. According to him, after the results of intermediate and matriculation exams, cybercriminals become active on social media, luring students with the promise of scholarships or free laptops to obtain their personal information. Scammers often trick people into sending money by asking for bank account, JazzCash, or EasyPaisa account details under the pretext of scholarships. They may call and claim they need to check the balance in the accounts before confirming eligibility for the scholarship, subsequently withdrawing money from these accounts. Moreover, students are often asked to pay an advance fee to apply for these scholarships, which is presented as an application fee. He further stated that when users share their personal information, including names and phone numbers, on these fake websites, this information is sold to criminals at high prices. Women, in particular, receive calls or messages from unknown numbers, indicating that their information might have been leaked to scammers. He advised the public to be cautious and avoid clicking on such fake links, sharing their personal information, or forwarding them to others. Before entering personal details, verify the legitimacy of such scholarships with the relevant websites.
