EPFO warns as scammers target PF accounts:Tips to stay safe and identify fake PF-related calls, messages, and links

For salaried individuals, the Provident Fund (PF) is their most important savings. These savings come in handy after retirement and during times of crisis. Millions of people use the online services of the ‘Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation’ (EPFO) to check their PF balance, settle claims, or get information related to pensions. There are about 8 crore active members of EPFO in the country. Given this, cyber fraudsters have now set their sights on PF accounts as well. They are targeting people by sending fake messages in the name of EPFO. In view of this threat, EPFO has issued an advisory for its members. Therefore, today in ‘Cyber Literacy’, we will talk about scams related to EPFO. We will also learn- Expert: Rahul Mishra, Cyber Security Advisor, Uttar Pradesh Police Question: What is an EPF account? Answer: Understand this through these pointers- Question: What has the EPFO said in its advisory? Answer: The EPFO has advised its members to remain vigilant online. The advisory asks to keep the following points in mind- Question: What is UAN and why is it important to keep it secure? Answer: UAN, or ‘Universal Account Number’, is a 12-digit permanent number provided by the EPFO. Even when changing jobs, this number remains the identity of the PF account. It is important to keep it secure because cybercriminals can misuse it. Question: Why are cybercriminals targeting EPF accounts? Answer: An EPF account contains long-term accumulated funds along with the employee’s personal and banking details. Scammers primarily target two things- They may target EPF accounts to steal both money and information. Question: How do fraudsters carry out scams in the name of EPFO? Answer: Cyber fraudsters first gain people’s trust in the name of EPFO. After this, they adopt various tactics to carry out the fraud, such as- Now, let us understand these points in detail- 1. WhatsApp Link Scam 2. Fraud through fake calls 3. Bait of KYC update 4. Fake Website Scam 5. Email Phishing Question: How to identify if an EPFO website link is fake? Answer: Fake links often contain spelling changes, strange domains, or extra words in the website URL. See the graphic for easy ways to identify fake links- Question: How to identify the official EPFO website? Answer: For this, first check the official address of the website. The official website and portal of EPFO are- How to identify the official website Question: How to identify a fake call or message received in the name of EPFO? Answer: If there is pressure for immediate action in any call or message, be alert. See the signs of fake calls and messages in the graphic below- Question: What are the things that EPFO never asks you to do? Answer: According to EPFO guidelines, the organization never asks for any sensitive details via phone calls, messages, WhatsApp, social media, or email. See the graphic- Question: How to secure your EPF account? Answer: For this, pay special attention to the points given in the graphic- Question: What is the correct process to complete the KYC of an EPF account? Answer: According to EPFO, the process is as follows- Question: What should a strong password be like? Answer: A strong password should be one that cannot be easily guessed. It should be a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters, such as- Question: What to do if you accidentally click on a fake link? Answer: Do not panic in such a situation. Take these steps immediately- Question: Where to complain in case of cyber fraud? Answer: In such a situation, immediately call the cyber helpline number 1930 or register an online complaint on the portal. You can also complain to the local police or cybercrime branch. The sooner you complain, the higher the chances of action. Keep evidence related to the fraud safe for the complaint.