In an age of rising digital fraud, a new warning from the Supreme Court of India highlights a critical threat: fake government websites. This advisory is a crucial reminder for all citizens to stay vigilant and protect their sensitive information online.
The Official Warning
The Supreme Court Registry issued a public advisory on November 3, 2026, cautioning against a fraudulent website created to impersonate its official online portal. The advisory identified 'scigovinjudicial.com' as a deceptive domain used in a targeted phishing operation. The court stated that cybercriminals might use such sites to trick the public into surrendering sensitive personal data and confidential credentials. This notice is the latest in a series of similar warnings issued since 2023, indicating a persistent effort by scammers to leverage the court's authority.
The Only Real Address
The single most important piece of information for users is the correct web address for the nation's highest court. The Supreme Court of India has reiterated that its one and only official domain is sci.gov.in. Any other variation, no matter how convincing it looks, is fraudulent. The court explicitly stated that it is the registered user of the sci.gov.in domain and that the public should use this address exclusively for accessing information related to the Supreme Court. Always check that the URL in your browser's address bar exactly matches 'sci.gov.in' before proceeding.
How Phishing Scams Target You
Phishing is a cybercrime where attackers pose as a trustworthy entity to trick victims into giving up information. In this case, the fake Supreme Court website is designed to look identical to the real one, using official logos and layouts to build a false sense of security. These sites often solicit personal details, financial information, or login credentials. Scammers then use this stolen data for identity theft or financial fraud. The Supreme Court has clarified that it would never ask for personal financial details, passwords, or other confidential information online.
Essential Steps for Your Protection
Protecting yourself requires caution and a keen eye for detail. First, always inspect URLs carefully. Before clicking a link in an email or message, hover your mouse over it to see the actual destination address. Be wary of slight misspellings or different endings like '.com' instead of the official '.gov.in'. It is safest to manually type the official website address into your browser. Furthermore, enable two-factor authentication on your important online accounts and use up-to-date security software. Never share your bank details, UPI PIN, or passwords in response to an unsolicited request.
A Persistent and Growing Threat
This is not an isolated incident. The Supreme Court Registry has issued multiple advisories over the past few years, flagging numerous fake domains. In August 2026, it warned against 'sp-court-in.com', and previous notices in 2025 and 2026 identified over a dozen other fraudulent sites. These scams often have specific themes, such as fake notices about 'money laundering offences', to create urgency and panic, compelling users to input their details without thinking. This trend underscores a broader pattern of criminals targeting official Indian government services and brands.
What To Do If You've Been Targeted
If you suspect you have visited a fraudulent site or shared your information, you must act quickly. The Supreme Court's advisory recommends immediately changing the passwords for all your online accounts, especially for banking and email. You should also contact your bank and credit card companies to report any potential unauthorised access and monitor your financial statements for suspicious activity. Reporting the phishing attempt to the authorities can also help in tracking and shutting down these criminal operations.
