TL;DR: Phishing spikes around board and entrance exam result dates, roughly May through July each year. Check results only on the official board website, such as the CBSE or respective state board portal, and never pay a fee through a link claiming to speed up a result or certificate.
Phishing spikes around board and entrance exam result dates, roughly May through July each year.
How the Scam Plays Out
Fake result-checking websites and SMS links mimic official exam boards, asking for personal details or roll numbers to 'unlock' results, while some prompt a fee for 'priority' rechecking or certificate delivery that doesn't exist.
How to Protect Yourself
Check results only on the official board website, such as the CBSE or respective state board portal, and never pay a fee through a link claiming to speed up a result or certificate.
If this looks similar to something else you've seen, it's worth reading Festive Season Delivery and Courier Scams.
This pattern shows up elsewhere too — see Income Tax Filing Season Scams (India).
Frequently Asked Questions
When does this typically happen?
Phishing spikes around board and entrance exam result dates, roughly May through July each year.
What tactics are used?
Fake result-checking websites and SMS links mimic official exam boards, asking for personal details or roll numbers to 'unlock' results, while some prompt a fee for 'priority' rechecking or certificate delivery that doesn't exist.
How can I protect myself?
Check results only on the official board website, such as the CBSE or respective state board portal, and never pay a fee through a link claiming to speed up a result or certificate.
What should I do if I’ve already been targeted?
Stop all payments immediately, contact your bank or card issuer to see if a transaction can be reversed or flagged, and report the incident to the appropriate consumer protection body.