In this publication, we’re exposing a fast-growing digital scam in Tamil Nadu’s Coimbatore district that’s draining the savings of unsuspecting parents. And it could easily happen anywhere.
Fraudsters posing as officials from the Union and State education departments have been calling parents of college-going students, offering fake scholarships for higher education. On the surface, it sounds like a blessing — but here’s the twist: victims are asked to join a video call and scan QR codes to “receive” the money. Instead, their own bank accounts get emptied.
Here’s how the scam unfolds:
Scammers obtain student records, possibly from government-aided schools. They reach out to parents with official-sounding offers tied to real schemes like Illam Thedi Kalvi. During a WhatsApp video call, they instruct parents to scan QR codes and input numbers dictated by the caller. Rather than receiving scholarship funds, the victims inadvertently authorize payments to the fraudsters.
Who are the targets?
Mostly parents of students from government and government-aided schools, often from modest financial backgrounds. These scams exploit their hopes for educational assistance.
The impact is already devastating. One parent, S. Sudhakar of Ram Nagar, lost ₹28,554 after being tricked this way. Another, J. Charles Peter of Puliyakulam, thought his son qualified for a ₹38,500 scholarship but instead lost ₹53,001. “The fraudster made a video call, asked me to scan a QR code and enter the figures he dictated,” Charles recounted. At least 36 similar cases have been reported, with some schools seeing multiple parents targeted at once.
Why should you care?
Beyond the immediate financial loss, these scams erode trust in legitimate government initiatives. Scammers prey on parental hopes and financial vulnerability. And as digital payment methods grow, so do opportunities for fraud — anyone can be targeted if they’re not cautious.
Here’s how to protect yourself:
- Never scan QR codes from unknown sources. Scanning can trigger unauthorized transactions.
- Remember: you don’t need to share your PIN or scan anything to receive money.
- Verify directly with official government contacts. Don’t trust numbers provided by callers.
- Be skeptical of unsolicited offers. Real scholarships are processed through proper channels.
- Report any suspicious calls immediately to your local cybercrime unit.
Quick Tip: Did you know? Scammers can spoof video calls with fake IDs and logos to seem official. Always verify their credentials separately.
Pro Tip: When in doubt, pause. Ask for written documentation and check with your child’s school before taking any action.
Stay safe, stay informed.
Keywords:
- QR Code Scam: A fraud where scanning a malicious QR code authorizes payments to scammers.
- Caller ID Spoofing: Falsifying phone/video call identity to appear legitimate.
- Illam Thedi Kalvi Scheme: A real Tamil Nadu education initiative, exploited here as a cover for scams.
- Digital Payment Fraud: Unauthorized electronic transactions carried out through deception.
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