Is There a Fake Website Selling National Awards?
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Synopsis
The Indian government has exposed a fraudulent website that falsely claims to confer prestigious national awards such as the Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan. Citizens are urged to stay vigilant against such scams and verify information through official channels.
Key Takeaways
- Government issues alert about a fraudulent website.
- Fake site claims to confer national honors.
- Public urged to verify information through official channels.
- Website has no legitimate authority to award honors.
- Remain vigilant against scams.
New Delhi, May 23 (NationPress) The Centre has identified a fraudulent website falsely portraying itself as an official entity responsible for granting some of the country’s most prestigious civilian awards, such as the Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, and Padma Bhushan.
In a message shared on X on Friday, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) cautioned the public about the deceptive website -- https://brs.inc -- which misleadingly claims to be a "semi-structured government organisation" recognized by the government.
"This fraudulent website, https://brs.inc, falsely asserts that it is a semi-structured government organisation sanctioned by the Government of India," the PIB stated in its fact-check alert.
It further noted, "The site also claims to grant esteemed national awards such as the Bharat Ratna Samman, Padma Vibhushan Samman, and Padma Bhushan Samman, among others," according to the PIB's communication.
The government has made it clear that the mentioned website has no connection to any legitimate department or ministry, nor does it possess the authority to award any national honors.
The public has been urged to stay alert against such fraudulent activities and to confirm any award-related information solely through official channels.
“This website is NOT linked to the Government of India. Remain vigilant and steer clear of such scams. For any inquiries related to GOI, please contact +91 8799711259,” the PIB post stated.
The homepage of the fake site, which is crafted with official-sounding language, claims: "Bharat Ratna Sammaan is a respected body established with the aim of honoring significant contributors to society across various fields in Bharat... every individual should have the opportunity to achieve excellence and receive the recognition they merit."
Officials have cautioned that such language is intentionally deceptive, mimicking government terminology to lend legitimacy to a scam. The website may be attempting to entice individuals into financial fraud or identity theft under the guise of awarding honors.
The PIB has encouraged citizens to reach out to its fact-checking unit or visit https://pib.gov.in for any questions related to government initiatives or awards, and to avoid falling victim to unauthorized websites.
Point of View
It is crucial to emphasize that the nation must remain vigilant against fraudulent entities that exploit the trust of citizens. The government's proactive approach in identifying and addressing such scams showcases its commitment to protecting the integrity of national honors.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fake website being reported?
The fraudulent website is https://brs.inc, which falsely claims to be an official body authorized to confer national awards.
What awards does the fake site claim to confer?
The site claims to confer prestigious awards including the Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, and Padma Bhushan.
How can I verify information about national awards?
Always verify award-related information through official government channels or the Press Information Bureau's website.
What should I do if I encounter this website?
Avoid engaging with the site and report it to the authorities. For any concerns, contact the PIB or visit their official website.
Is the website connected to the Government of India?
No, the website has no affiliation with any official government department or ministry.
