A fraudulent website has recently gone viral on social media, falsely promoting free solar panels under a Punjab government scheme. This fake site, shared widely on platforms like WhatsApp, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook, asks users to provide sensitive information, including names, ID numbers, and electricity usage, falsely claiming eligibility for free solar equipment for those consuming 100-500 electricity units. The application deadline is falsely listed as November 10.
Official Warning on Fraudulent Solar Scheme
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Fake Website | https://solar-panel-scheme-2024.blogspot.com |
| Real Program | “Roshan Gharana Program,” introduced in March by the Punjab government |
| Authentic Purpose | To provide solar systems to low-income households, aiming to distribute 50,000 systems |
| Current Status | Official registration has not started yet |
| Verification | Confirmed fake by government officials and cybersecurity experts |
| Potential Threat | Users’ data may be misused for fraud |
| Public Advisory | Avoid sharing personal information on unverified sites |
Real Program Information
The authentic Punjab government program, Roshan Gharana Program, was launched to assist low-income households with solar systems. However, Adnan Mudar, the program’s project director, clarified that official registration has yet to begin, and no websites currently claim government endorsement for free solar panels.
How to Stay Safe
Authorities urge the public to stay cautious and avoid sharing personal data on any unverified websites. Once the genuine program registration opens, the government will make announcements through official channels.