Lucknow: A day after complaints from Sant Kabir Nagar, authorities in Amethi on Sunday reported incidents of cyber fraudsters attempting to dupe board students by falsely claiming that they have failed and they could help them clear the exam if they pay money.Officials in the Amethi cyber cell confirmed that they received multiple inputs about such fraudulent calls and messages, indicating a spreading pattern across districts in Uttar Pradesh.In one instance, a Class XII student of an inter college in Gauriganj received a WhatsApp message claiming he had scored only 19 marks in Biology and would fail the examination. The sender then offered to “help” him pass in exchange for money.When the student questioned the identity of the caller, the fraudster avoided a direct response but sent the student’s name and roll number to build credibility. The scammer initially demanded Rs 10,000, later attempting to settle for Rs 5,000, and even shared a QR code for payment. Showing presence of mind, the student consulted a friend and refused to transfer any money.In another case, a high school student from a private college in received a message claiming he had failed in three subjects and needed to pay Rs 15,000 to pass. The fraudster again shared the student’s name and roll number to exert pressure.Sensing a scam, the student immediately contacted a teacher, who advised him not to respond. No money was paid.Cyber experts believe that after targeting students in Sant Kabir Nagar, fraudsters have now shifted focus to Amethi and possibly other districts. The use of accurate personal details such as names and roll numbers suggests access to sensitive student data, raising concerns of a wider data leak or unauthorised access.Cyber Crime Station in-charge Rajesh Kumar said that while only a few cases have come to notice so far, no formal complaints have yet been registered. “We are verifying the inputs and trying to trace those involved. Awareness campaigns are also being conducted in schools,” he said.However, district inspector of schools (DIoS) Dr Rajesh Kumar Dwivedi clarified that the board examination and evaluation process is secure, confidential and conducted under strict CCTV surveillance. “No one can alter marks. Anyone demanding money in the name of passing students is a fraudster,” he said.
