India AI Impact Summit – Important Refund Information

Attendees of the recent India AI Impact Summit experienced confusion when they received WhatsApp messages soliciting banking information to process refunds for prepaid cards used during the event. This occurred simultaneously with a government alert about a phishing scam aimed at participants.

Several attendees, including individuals from Startup Superb, reported receiving messages on 22 February from event partner Dreamcast concerning refunds for unutilised balances on cashless cards issued at the summit.

The message stated that attendees should share their banking details through a provided link to initiate the refund process. It included pertinent information such as the recipient’s card number and phone contact, alongside a deadline: “Please submit this information before 2026-02-27 23:30:00 to ensure timely processing.”

Government Warning on Phishing Scam

Despite the seemingly official communication, the government issued a public warning on 22 February regarding the circulation of fraudulent refund messages via SMS and WhatsApp, advising attendees to refrain from sharing personal information.

The government urged all participants to remain cautious about unsolicited demands for card details or WhatsApp contact numbers. It emphasised the importance of only referring to official channels for any updates related to the event.

Confusion Over Refund Policy

The situation was further complicated by the instructions displayed on the back of physical cards, which suggested that refunds would adhere to the policies set by the event organisers. The card indicated that the return of unused value and security deposits would be subject to the specific policy of the event, encouraging individuals to consult the organisers for additional information.

Dreamcast, the provider of cashless payment solutions for the summit, explained that it operated as a “pure agent” and only facilitated the refund window before transferring any remaining funds to the event organiser.

The company stated that according to its agreement framework, it ensures a designated refund window of 5 to 7 days, after which the complete balance is passed to the event planner.

Dreamcast indicated that at least one of the messages in circulation was indeed genuine. Startup Superb has approached the IndiaAI Mission, a segment of the Ministry of Electronics & IT, for further comment.

The company confirmed that the communication had originated from Dreamcast’s official WhatsApp number, and the link provided in the message for refunds was verified as secure for claiming leftover amounts.

Fraudulent Messages Awareness

Simultaneously, Dreamcast acknowledged the reports of fraudulent messages being disseminated.

In response to prevailing warnings about phishing attempts, the company has noted the presence of certain dubious messages in circulation since the previous day. The support team is actively helping users validate official messages and ensuring a seamless and secure refund experience.

The mixed notifications regarding both legitimate refund communication and fraudulent messages have left some attendees unsure whether to trust the received information or disclose their banking details, emphasising the risks associated with scams in the wake of large public gatherings.