CLAIM
A message has recently gone viral on WhatsApp, asking users to apply on a website to get benefits under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana.
The message reads: आयुष्मान भारत योजना 2018: 13 से 70 साल के 10 करोड़ लोगो को 5 लाख रुपये का निःशुल्क बीमा दिया जा रहा है। आवेदन करने की अंतिम तिथि 29 Oct है। तो जल्दी करें और इस मेसेज को अपने सभी दोस्तों को भी भेजें ताकि इस योजना का लाभ सभी को मिल सके| आवेदन करें
(Ayushman Bharat Yojana 2018: 10 crore people between the age of 13 and 70 years are being given free insurance worth Rs 5 lakh. The last date to apply is 29 October. So hurry up and send this message to all your friends so that everyone can avail of the scheme's benefits. Please apply.)
The message links to a website with the address: https://ayushmaan-bharat.in
TRUE OR FALSE?
Both the WhatsApp message and the website that it links to are of a dubious nature.
Do note that the website mentioned in the WhatsApp message is not the official website for the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. The address for the official website is: www.abnhpm.gov.in.
As pointed out by SMHoaxSlayer, the dubious website was registered only 6 October.
The cover image that appears upon opening it is the same that also appears on the official website, which might deceive some users into giving their details including name, mobile number, age and state of residence.
By displaying ads on the website, as well as receiving the phone numbers of those who registered, which can then be used for tele-marketing purposes, the dubious website can even earn revenue, SMHoaxSlayer adds.
A Twitter user pointed out that even after applying, the user is prompted with a message to promote the website on 10 groups on WhatsApp and among friends.
However, many users have called out the website for being fake on social media and urged the authorities to take action against it.
(With inputs from SMHoaxSlayer.)
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)