A viral message circulating on WhatsApp and social media platforms claims that the Indian government is offering free 5-star air conditioners under a new scheme called ‘PM Modi AC Yojana 2025’. According to the message, citizens can register online and receive a high-end AC unit free of cost as part of the government’s energy conservation program. However, this claim is completely fake, and the government has officially debunked it as a scam.
What is Being Claimed?
The message being widely circulated says:
“Under PM Modi AC Yojana 2025, get a free 5-star air conditioner delivered to your home. Register now at [fraudulent link] and avail this offer under the new government scheme.”
It often includes images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, government logos, and even doctored news headlines to make the offer look legitimate. Some links also direct users to fake websites that ask for personal details, Aadhaar numbers, and a small “registration fee” through UPI or other payment methods.
Government Response and PIB Fact Check
The Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check team has officially labeled this viral message as false and misleading. In a tweet posted on their official handle, PIB stated:
“A message circulating on social media claiming that under ‘PM Modi AC Yojana 2025’, citizens can get a free 5-star AC is fake. No such scheme has been announced by the Government of India. Please do not share your personal details on suspicious websites.”
This warning comes as part of the government’s broader effort to combat fake news and protect citizens from cyber frauds exploiting their trust in official programs.
No Official AC Scheme Announced
As of now, there is no official government scheme that offers free air conditioners to Indian citizens in 2025. While the government has announced energy-efficiency incentives and subsidies in sectors like solar energy and electric vehicles, no such subsidy or free distribution program exists for air conditioners.
Moreover, all government schemes are published through official channels such as:
- Ministry of Power or Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL)
- Press Information Bureau (PIB)
- Official government portals like https://india.gov.in
If a scheme is not listed on these platforms, it is highly likely to be unverified or fake.
How the Scam Works
Scammers use a variety of tactics to make the offer look genuine:
- Fake Government Logos – To build credibility.
- Shortened or misleading URLs – That redirect to phishing websites.
- WhatsApp Forwards – Making it appear like breaking news.
- Small “registration fee” requests – To steal money and personal data.
- Fake Testimonials and Comments – To convince users it’s real.
Once users submit their data, scammers can misuse their personal information for identity theft, financial fraud, or further scam targeting.
Tips to Identify Fake Government Schemes
Here are a few tips to protect yourself:
- Always verify with official websites or PIB Fact Check.
- Avoid clicking on unverified links or QR codes shared on WhatsApp.
- Never share Aadhaar, PAN, or bank details without cross-verification.
- Watch out for schemes that demand “small registration fees” — a common red flag.
- Look for poor grammar, spelling errors, or suspicious domain names like “.xyz,” “.info,” or “.top.”
Recent Examples of Similar Scams
This isn’t the first time citizens have been misled by fake government schemes. Other recent viral hoaxes include:
- “PM Free Solar Panel Yojana 2024”
- “Modi Gas Cylinder Free Scheme”
- “PM Laptop Yojana for Students”
All these messages turned out to be fabricated scams designed to lure users into traps for monetary and data theft.
What Should You Do If You See Such a Message?
If you come across such fraudulent messages:
- Report it immediately on platforms like cybercrime.gov.in
- Alert others in your family and social circles
- Share the official PIB Fact Check link to spread awareness
- Report the URL as phishing or fraudulent via Google or your browser
Conclusion
The so-called ‘PM Modi AC Yojana 2025’ offering free 5-star ACs is completely fake. It is yet another example of how cybercriminals exploit people’s trust in the government to run scams. Always verify any such claims through official sources, and remember — if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Stay safe, stay informed, and do not fall for such traps.
