Start from the authority, not the forwarded message
Identify the department, commission, board or public employer named on the message. Type its known address or reach it from a trusted government directory. For example, SSC publishes notices at ssc.gov.in and UPSC at upsc.gov.in. A copied emblem or a padlock icon is not proof that the page is official.
Compare the original notice and all updates
Find the full notification and check the issuing body, notice number, date, posts, eligibility, selection stages, application period, fee or exemption, and contact route. Look for corrigenda or extensions published later. Compare a summary with the primary document; if details differ, rely on the current publication from the authority.
Real vs. suspicious signals
| Check | More reliable signal | Warning signal |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Notice appears in the authority's own notice section | Only a forwarded image, social post or anonymous group |
| Application link | URL is named in the current notice | Lookalike spelling, shortened link or unexplained redirect |
| Payment | Fee and route match the official notice | Personal UPI, wallet or payment to “guarantee” selection |
| Promise | Selection stages match the published rules | Guaranteed job, direct selection or urgent joining fee |
| Credentials | Applicant signs in only on the verified portal | Caller asks for password, OTP or remote access |
Before entering details or paying
Follow the application route inside the current notice and inspect the address bar after redirects. A legitimate service provider can use a separate domain; confirm that exact URL in the notice instead of assuming every non-government suffix is fraudulent. Never disclose a password or OTP to a caller, recruiter, messaging account or “agent.”
If you suspect fraud
Do not click again or send more money. Preserve the message, URL and transaction reference without reposting identity documents. Contact your bank or payment provider promptly after a suspected payment. For cybercrime reporting, use the current instructions on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. This site cannot investigate a message or recover funds.
Quick checklist
- Find the issuing authority independently.
- Read the original notice and amendments.
- Match the dates, criteria, fee and named application link.
- Check the destination before signing in or paying.
- Save the notice and submission acknowledgement privately.