Government warns of phishing scam targeting AI Summit attendees

Authorities warn that fraudulent SMS and WhatsApp messages offering fake refunds are targeting summit attendees, urging participants to avoid sharing sensitive information and to rely solely on official communication channels.

The government has issued a cybersecurity advisory cautioning participants of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 about an ongoing phishing campaign. According to officials, scammers are circulating deceptive messages through SMS and WhatsApp, falsely claiming to process refunds linked to the event.

In a public statement shared on social media platform X, authorities said the fraudulent messages are designed to impersonate summit organisers and trick recipients into revealing confidential financial and personal details. The advisory clarified that these communications are not authorised and have no connection with the official event management team.

Fraudulent refund claims circulating

Officials noted that the scam messages typically reference refunds and request sensitive information such as card numbers, banking credentials or WhatsApp contact details. The government emphasised that no such refund process has been initiated through unofficial channels.

Participants have been strongly advised not to respond to unsolicited messages or click on suspicious links. Authorities reiterated that all authentic updates related to the summit are communicated only through verified and official platforms.

Immediate action urged

The advisory further cautioned individuals who may have already interacted with fraudulent links. Those who have shared personal or financial information have been urged to contact their respective banks immediately to safeguard their accounts and prevent potential misuse.

Cybersecurity experts often warn that high-profile events can become targets for phishing attempts due to the large volume of attendees and digital communication involved. The latest alert serves as a reminder for individuals to remain vigilant, verify sources before sharing information and exercise caution when dealing with unexpected digital communications.

As the summit concludes, officials continue to monitor the situation and have encouraged attendees to report any suspicious messages to the appropriate authorities.