Authorities have issued a warning to senior citizens after reports of cyber scams involving fake pension bonus offers have surfaced. Fraudsters are reportedly contacting elderly individuals via phone calls, text messages, and social media, promising extra pension payments or bonuses in exchange for personal information or bank details.

How the Scam Works

Scammers typically:

• Claim the government or pension office is offering a special bonus or incentive for pensioners.
• Ask the victim to share bank account details, Aadhaar numbers, or OTPs to “verify eligibility.”
• Sometimes direct victims to fake websites or apps that look like official pension portals.

Once the information is provided, scammers can withdraw funds, steal identities, or commit financial fraud.

Red Flags to watch For

• Unexpected calls or messages claiming urgent pension-related bonuses.
• Requests for sensitive information like OTPs, PINs, or passwords.
• Links to unofficial websites or apps.
• Pressure tactics, such as “offer expires today” or “your account will be blocked.”

Government and police Advisory

Authorities stress that pension-related bonuses are never distributed through unsolicited calls or messages. Senior citizens are advised to:

• Verify official sources before responding to any offer.
• Never share OTPs, PINs, or bank details over phone, SMS, or email.
• Report suspicious calls to local police or the cybercrime helpline.
• Educate family members and neighbors about these scams to prevent further incidents.

Protecting Yourself

Financial security is critical for senior citizens, especially in a wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>digital age. Simple precautions—like ignoring unknown calls, avoiding suspicious links, and regularly checking bank statements—can help prevent falling victim to cyber fraud.

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.