Fact-Check: Viral Link Asking Students to Apply for Laptop Scheme 2021/22 is a Hoax

The hoax appears to be aimed at students who do not have laptop computers. While the message is a hoax, the lack of proper access to online learning environments is all too real.

By Emmanuel Bida Thomas

According to 211 Check findings, a viral link being shared on WhatsApp claiming to be asking students to apply for laptop schemes is a hoax. The message that has gone viral on WhatsApp does not specify who is offering the laptop scheme.

The claim in the viral WhatsApp message reads, 

“The Applications for the Students Laptop Scheme 2021/22 Is Available

This scheme is open to all students who for financial reasons are not in a position to purchase a laptop of their own and are in need of laptop in their level of education

Students that can apply

-All Students can apply for the helping laptop support scheme

Eligiblity-All countries

20,000 student recieved laptop in 2020 due to covid

In 2021 Over 560,000 students will be given free laptop to enhance their learning this month

Application has began and students that have applied have started gettig their laptops

ONLY STUDENTS CAN APPLY.” 

The message includes a link to a webpage that makes a similar claim and asks students to enter their age bracket (10-50) years, full name, educational level, laptop brand, and age range.

It also claims that if a person correctly answers the question (5+1-2=?) they will be automatically qualified for the laptop.

The website prompts the user to check their eligibility by asking for their name, pretending to verify their identity, and requesting that the user share the link with WhatsApp friends and groups until “the blue bar is full.” The website redirects the user to a spam advertisement once the step is completed.

According to a website reputation checker, the website that was registered 28 days ago on 2021-10-28 and is hosted at this IP address: 209.159.145.116 has been blacklisted by several engines, including Avira, CRDF, and Fortinet.

The message or its website do not specify who is providing the laptops or to whom students are applying. Legitimate schemes usually identify the organizations that are behind them.

Conclusion:

It is not uncommon to receive WhatsApp messages containing links claiming that the recipient has won prizes such as a free expensive smartphone or simply a shoe.

One thing that all of these messages have in common is that they all require the recipient to forward it to at least a certain number of WhatsApp chats. However, the claims that accompany these links can appear genuine and difficult to dismiss, such as when they appear to be disseminating information about schemes and use official institution logos.

The above hoax appears to be aimed at students who do not have laptop computers. While the message is a hoax, the lack of proper access to online learning environments is all too real.