The Ministry of Defence has issued a warning about a fake message going viral on WhatsApp. This message falsely asks people to donate money to a specific bank account for the Indian Army’s modernisation and to help injured or fallen soldiers. It even wrongly claims that the donation drive is backed by a cabinet decision and actor Akshay Kumar. But the Defence Ministry has clarified that the account details are fake, and any money sent is being rejected. People are urged to stay alert and not fall for this scam. “The Indian Army warns that all donation requests through WhatsApp messages are completely untrue. People should avoid responding to fake messages that they receive. Government authentication of communication channels remains the reliable source of information.” ~ Ministry of Defence. The government already runs several welfare schemes to help families of soldiers who are killed or seriously injured in combat. In 2020, it created the Armed Forces Battle Casualty Welfare Fund (AFBCWF) to offer quick financial help to affected families. The Indian Army manages this official fund under the Ministry of Defence’s department of ex-servicemen welfare. Anyone wishing to genuinely contribute should donate directly to the Armed Forces Battle Casualty Welfare Fund account. Details Of bank accounts are given below: First account
Fund Name: Armed Forces Battle Casualty Welfare Fund
Bank Name: Canara Bank, South Block, Defence Headquarters, New Delhi – 110011
IFSC Code: CNRB0019055
Account No.: 90552010165915
Type of Account: Savings Second account Fund Name: Armed Forces Battle Casualty Welfare Fund
Bank Name: State Bank of India, Parliament Street, New Delhi – 110011
IFSC Code: SBIN0000691
Account No.: 40650628094
Type of Account: Savings The Defence Ministry’s statement said donations can also be made through a Demand Draft drawn in favour of AFBCWF, payable at New Delhi, which may be sent by post to the following address: Accounts Section Adjutant General’s Branch
Ceremonial Welfare Directorate
Room No. 281-B, South Block
IHQ of MoD (Army), New Delhi – 110011
