The Supreme Court of India has issued a crucial warning to the public about an alarming rise in fake websites impersonating its official domain. This alert comes amid a sophisticated phishing scam designed to steal sensitive personal and financial information.
Under the leadership of Registrar (Technology) Hargurvarinder Singh Jaggi, the Court’s Registry has flagged several fraudulent URLs, including www.scigoin.com and www.judiciarycheck.in, which mimic the Supreme Court’s trusted web presence. These deceptive websites exploit the Court’s name and reputation to trick unsuspecting individuals into revealing confidential details.
In a public notice dated January 9, 2025, the Supreme Court emphasized that it never solicits personal, financial, or sensitive information via email or through unofficial websites. The Court reminded citizens to always verify URLs, stressing that its legitimate domain is www.sci.gov.in.
This warning comes on the heels of a concerning incident raised during a PIL hearing on January 6. Senior Advocate Garima Prashad informed a bench led by Justice Hrishikesh Roy that nearly ten IAS officers had received fake email invitations to join court proceedings. These emails, crafted to look official, were later uncovered as part of the phishing operation. Justice Roy noted a peculiar sign-off—"thanks and regards"—that differed from the Supreme Court's formal communication style, serving as a subtle red flag.
In response, the Registry has called upon law enforcement agencies to investigate and bring the culprits to justice. Meanwhile, citizens are urged to remain vigilant. If you suspect being targeted, the Court advises changing passwords immediately, notifying financial institutions, and reporting the incident.
This incident is a sobering reminder of the ever-evolving tactics of cybercriminals. It serves as a call to exercise caution and to verify the authenticity of communications, especially those appearing to come from trusted institutions.
