Table Content
Cybercriminals have produced a phony website that closely resembles the official Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) portal in a startling instance of online fraud. The goal? to steal personal information from students getting ready for the Karnataka CET and other entrance exams, as well as NEET applicants.
What Happened?
This phoney website shows up in the search results when students type “KEA home” into Google. After clicking, users are prompted to enter personal data such as:
Complete Name
Cell Phone Number
Email Address
State
Favourite Course
The website just displays a “Success” message after submission, which raises red flags right away.
Real Consequences
KEA authorities found that the fraudulent portal was also dispatching counterfeit NEET counselling invitations, including one set for Bengaluru Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI).
KEA has lodged a police report, and the matter is currently being examined under the Information Technology Act.
What You Should Do
- The elevated stress and burnout levels
- Increasing awareness of other employment paths
- Finding it difficult to bear the weight of long-term readiness
This significant decline could affect this year’s cutoff trends and competition levels.
What You Should Do
Make sure to use only the official KEA website:
cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea
Check website links carefully before submitting any information.
Be cautious of any communication (calls, emails, or messages) purporting to be from KEA unless it originates from their verified channels.
Final Thoughts
This incident serves as a powerful reminder that in today’s digital age, preparing for entrance exams like NEET or KCET isn’t just about academics anymore. As more aspects of the process—registrations, results, and counselling—move online, students and parents must also become aware of cyber threats and digital frauds.
Being academically prepared is crucial, but so is being digitally smart. Stay vigilant while browsing, double-check website URLs, avoid sharing personal details on unknown platforms, and always rely on official sources for updates. If something feels off, don’t hesitate to pause and seek guidance from a trusted expert.
Cyber awareness is not optionalit’s a necessary part of your journey to becoming a doctor or any professional today. Stay alert. Stay informed. Stay safe.
FAQ
Cybercriminals created a fake website that looked nearly identical to the official Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) portal to steal students’ personal and academic details.
The portal mimicked the design, layout, and URL of the original KEA site, tricking students into entering sensitive data such as registration numbers, passwords, and documents.
Students may have unknowingly shared personal details, academic records, NEET-related credentials, and even scanned ID proofs.
The official KEA website is: https://kea.kar.nic.in. Always verify the URL, look for secure HTTPS encryption, and avoid clicking on random links shared via social media or messaging apps.
Immediately report the incident to KEA and the local cybercrime cell. Change your KEA login credentials and monitor your academic and financial accounts for any suspicious activity.
Always access official websites directly via bookmarks or trusted search engines.
Never share login details or documents on unverified sites.
Follow official KEA notifications through their verified channels only.