Prime Minister Free Mobile Scheme’ claim is fake: Government warns against viral scam circulating via YouTube

Fake

• Government confirms "Prime Minister Free Mobile Scheme" is fake
• No free smartphones for women or students under any central scheme.
• Verify schemes through official government sources and PIB Fact Check.

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The so-called “Prime Minister Free Mobile Scheme” circulating on social media platforms and video-sharing websites is fake, the Government of India has clarified. The warning comes amid a rise in misleading posts and videos claiming that the Centre is distributing free smartphones to women and students under a new government scheme.

The clarification has been issued by PIB Fact Check, which monitors and debunks misinformation related to government policies and announcements.

What the fake claim says

According to the false claim, all women and students studying in Classes 9 to 12 are eligible to receive free mobile phones under a centrally sponsored scheme allegedly launched in the name of the Prime Minister. Some videos and posts also ask users to click on links, share personal details, or follow specific YouTube channels to “apply” for the benefit.

PIB Fact Check has stated that no such scheme exists and that the Government of India has not announced any programme offering free mobile phones to women or school students at the national level.

Government clarification

In an official post on X (formerly Twitter), PIB Fact Check said the claim being spread by certain YouTube channels and social media handles is fake. It added that people should not trust unofficial sources or viral videos for information about government welfare schemes.

The fact-checking unit reiterated that authentic government schemes are announced only through official portals, press releases, or verified social media accounts of ministries and departments.

Why such scams are risky

Such fake schemes are often used as bait to collect personal information such as mobile numbers, Aadhaar details, or bank-related data. In some cases, users are redirected to suspicious websites or messaging groups that can lead to financial fraud or identity theft.

Cybersecurity experts have repeatedly warned that scams impersonating government programmes tend to spike during festive seasons, examination periods, or times of economic stress.

How to verify government schemes

Citizens are advised to verify any claim related to government benefits through official sources such as government websites ending with “.gov.in” or verified social media handles. Information shared by PIB Fact Check should be treated as authoritative when it comes to confirming or debunking such claims.

The government has also urged people to report suspicious messages, videos, or links related to central schemes directly to PIB Fact Check via its official channels.