Pension, PF & Government Scheme Scams
Fake KYC calls, EPFO fraud, and fake senior citizen benefit schemes
Government offices and banks use post and official portals — not phone calls.
Real government communications about pension or PF come as letters, through the official websites, or at bank branches. A phone call asking you to verify details is almost always a scam.
Fake pension KYC update calls
What the caller might say:
"This is the National Pension System helpline. Your KYC has expired. Your pension will stop next month unless you verify your Aadhaar and bank account number with us now."
The truth:
KYC updates for pension accounts are done at your bank branch, post office, or through official government portals — with your physical presence or through written forms. KYC is never done over a phone call.
✅ What to do:
Hang up. Visit your bank branch or post office directly to check if anything actually needs updating.
Fake EPFO PF withdrawal assistance
What the caller might say:
"I am calling from the EPFO helpline. Your Provident Fund withdrawal request is pending. We need your Aadhaar number, bank account details, and the OTP you will receive to process it."
The truth:
EPFO does not call you to help withdraw PF. PF withdrawals are applied for through the EPFO member portal or by visiting the EPFO office. EPFO will never ask for your OTP — sharing it will empty your bank account.
✅ What to do:
Never share your OTP with any caller. For genuine PF withdrawal help, visit epfindia.gov.in or call EPFO's official helpline: 1800-118-005.
Fake senior citizen scheme verification
What the caller might say:
"The government has launched a new senior citizen benefit scheme. To receive your payment, we need to verify your identity. Please share your Aadhaar number, PAN card number, and the bank account where you want the money."
The truth:
Real government benefits are credited to the bank account already linked to your Aadhaar. No one calls to 'verify' your details to give you money. If someone needs your details to send you money, they are the ones collecting — not giving.
✅ What to do:
Do not share any personal or banking details. If you want to know which government schemes you qualify for, visit india.gov.in or visit your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC).
Never share these on any phone call:
- ✗ Your OTP — not with anyone, ever
- ✗ Your full bank account number + IFSC over phone
- ✗ Your Aadhaar or PAN card details to an unknown caller
- ✗ Your ATM PIN or UPI PIN
Official helplines for genuine queries
If money was taken
Call 1930 right away. Tell them it was a pension or PF scam. Then call your bank.
📞 1930