Your Pension, Your Right: Stay Alert Against Fake Verification Calls

For many of our senior citizens, pensions are not just monthly deposits, rather it is a lifeline, the fruits of many years of service. However, over the last few months, fraudsters have been trying to cheat pensioners out of this hard-earned money by using a new trick: fake calls about the Jeevan Pramaan Patra, which is a biometric enabled digital service for pensioners.

How Does the Scam Unfold?

It usually starts with a phone call. The person on the other end sounds polite, professional, and confident. They convince you that they’re calling from the Pension Directorate or from the bank itself. To win trust, they read out personal details like date of retirement, PPO number, Aadhaar, and even the pension amount. All of it sounds so accurate that many believe the call is genuine.

Then comes the request. The caller says the pensioner needs to “update” or “re-verify” their Jeevan Pramaan Patra online. They ask for the OTP received on the mobile phone. The moment this code is shared, the fraudster gets access to the account, and in minutes, the amount is siphoned off.

Why Does It Feel Real?

Most pensioners are careful. However, when someone reads out your own information, it feels like they really are an official. This is what makes the scam so dangerous. The voice on the line isn’t a stranger asking questions; it is someone who already knows your details. That sense of familiarity lowers the guard.

Beware of Evolving Digital Frauds

Alongside fake verification calls, scammers are also using new digital tricks. One common method is the OTP scam, where fraudsters trick victims into sharing one-time passwords to access accounts. Another is the Link or APK scam, in which fake links or mobile apps are sent via SMS or WhatsApp, which once clicked or installed, steal personal and banking data. More recently, “Digital Arrest” scams have emerged, where imposters posing as police or government officials threaten victims with fake charges to extort money. Always stay cautious, never click unknown links/ install suspicious apps, or engage with threatening calls.

How to Protect Yourself?

Here’s the golden rule: Always remember, no Bank or Government office will ever ask you to share your OTP, passwords, Card Number, PIN or other sensitive account details. If you get such a call, end it immediately.

What Can You Do? 

1. Never disclose confidential details such as account credentials (OTP, CVV, PIN, Passwords etc.) or KYC information over the phone.
2. Never download apps or APK files, or click on links from unknown sources, even if requested by someone claiming to be from your Bank asks you to. Always refer to official websites or social media handles for any information.
3. Call your bank’s official customer care number (1800-1700) or visit the nearest branch if in doubt.
4. Report suspected fraud communications (calls, SMS, WhatsApp) on the Chakshu Portal (https://sancharsaathi.gov.in/sfc/).
5. Victims of cyber fraud can report fraud on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (https://cybercrime.gov.in/) or call the National Cybercrime Helpline at 1930.

Quick reporting can help recover the money, so don’t delay. At Indian Bank, we place special importance on the safety of pensioners. We encourage you to stay alert, share this information with friends and family, and remember: your pension is secure as long as your OTP and PIN stay private.

Indian Bank. “Your Own Bank, Always with You”

Disclaimer: https://indianbank.bank.in/departments/disclaimer/