The Supreme Court of India has issued an urgent public warning about a fake website impersonating its official portal. This incident is a critical reminder for all citizens to be vigilant about protecting their sensitive personal and financial information
from online scams.
An Official Alert for a Deceptive Scam
The Supreme Court Registry recently flagged a fraudulent website designed to trick the public. According to an advisory issued on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, a fake portal with the URL 'scigovinjudicial.com' was created by cybercriminals in a targeted phishing operation. The goal of such sites is to create a near-perfect copy of the official one to deceive people into surrendering confidential information like login details, personal data, and banking credentials. The advisory made it clear that the Supreme Court's only official and registered domain is sci.gov.in. This is not the first time such an alert has been issued; a series of similar warnings have been made since 2023 about various fake domains, highlighting a persistent and evolving threat.
Understanding the Dangers of Phishing
The scam targeting the Supreme Court's name is a classic example of phishing. Phishing is a cybercrime where attackers use deceptive emails, messages, or websites to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information. By impersonating a trustworthy entity, like a government body or a bank, they create a sense of legitimacy and urgency. Once a person clicks on a fraudulent link, they are taken to a website that may look identical to the real one. If they enter their details—such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, or Aadhaar and PAN information—that data goes directly to the criminals, who can use it for identity theft, financial fraud, or unauthorized access to accounts.
How to Spot a Fake Government Website
Vigilance is your best defence. Scammers often rely on people being in a hurry and not paying close attention to details. Here are key things to look for: 1. Check the URL Carefully: This is the most critical step. Official Indian government websites typically use the 'gov.in' or 'nic.in' domain. The fake Supreme Court site used '.com' in its URL. Before clicking, always hover your mouse over a link to see the true destination address. 2. Look for the Padlock: Ensure the website address starts with 'https://' and has a locked padlock icon in the browser's address bar. While this isn't foolproof, its absence is a major red flag. 3. Beware of Urgent Requests for Information: Government agencies, and especially the Supreme Court Registry, will never ask you for personal credentials, financial details, or passwords via unsolicited links or emails. Be immediately suspicious of any site demanding this information. 4. Examine for Poor Quality: Look for spelling and grammar mistakes, low-quality logos, or an unprofessional design. Official websites are typically well-maintained, while scam pages are often put together hastily.
What to Do If You Suspect a Scam
If you encounter a suspicious website or fear you may have already shared your information on one, it is crucial to act quickly. The Supreme Court's own advisory recommends immediate steps for potential victims. First, change the passwords for all your important online accounts, especially banking and email. Do not reuse passwords across different sites. Second, contact your bank and credit card companies immediately to report any potential unauthorized access and monitor your statements closely. Furthermore, you should report the incident to help authorities track and stop these criminals. You can file a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in. This official government portal is designed to handle all types of cybercrime, including financial fraud and identity theft.
