Pensioners now on fraudsters’ radar:Know how criminals trap you and tips to protect elderly family members from scams

A new fraud is currently being carried out. In it, cybercriminals are targeting retired employees and pensioners on social media by displaying fake advertisements for a ‘Pension Benefit Card’. They claim that all pensioners must get this card. They are also luring them with benefits such as health cover, 9.2% interest on fixed deposits, and unlimited airport lounge access. Recently, the Home Ministry and the ‘Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre’ (I4C) advised people to beware of such fake posts and advertisements. So, today in ‘Cyber Literacy’, we will discuss this scam being carried out in the name of the ‘Pension Benefit Card’. We will also learn- Expert – Rahul Mishra, Cybersecurity Adviser, Uttar Pradesh Police Question: What is the fraud being carried out in the name of a pension benefit card? Answer: This is a cyber fraud in which scammers show pensioners fake posts or advertisements for a ‘pension benefit card’ on social media. They lure them with promises of the card’s benefits and persuade them to click on fraudulent links, fill in forms, or share their personal details. The scammers use this to carry out the fraud. Question: What benefits are scammers claiming to offer through this card? Answer: To trap pensioners, scammers are claiming that the card offers several different benefits, such as- Question: Why are fraudsters targeting only pensioners? Answer: There are several reasons behind this. Let us understand them through the following points: Question: What information about pensioners may scammers already have? Answer: Scammers gather pensioners’ basic information from different sources and use it to make fraudulent calls or send messages or links. Scammers may already have the following information about pensioners: Question: How do scammers defraud pensioners? Explain the entire process step by step. Answer: Cybercriminals generally gain pensioners’ trust before carrying out the fraud. Understand the entire scam through the graphic: Question: What warning signs on phone calls or WhatsApp should everyone be alert and aware of? Answer: Whether it is pension fraud or any other kind of cyber fraud, there will always be one thing common in the behaviour of fraudsters. They will offer inducements, create fear, and put pressure on you. If you understand these signs and remain alert to them, you will not fall into the fraudsters’ trap. See all the warning signs in the graphic below- Consider messages or calls involving pressure, fear, or inducements on the phone or WhatsApp as warning signs. See all these signs in the graphic. Question: How can you tell the difference between a government scheme and a fake offer being circulated in its name? Answer: The key point is that information about a government scheme will be available on the official website of the relevant department. A fake offer, on the other hand, may arrive through social media, email, phone calls or WhatsApp. There are also some other clear signs that make it easy to understand whether an offer is genuine or fake. See the difference between the two in the graphic below – Question: How can you obtain accurate information about any government scheme? Answer: Instead of relying on social media posts or forwarded messages, verify it through these methods: Question: How can you identify an official government website? Answer: Keep a few things in mind: Question: What should a pensioner do immediately if they accidentally disclose an OTP? Answer: Do not panic in such a situation. Take these steps immediately to protect your money and details: Question: If money has been withdrawn from a bank account, what should be the first step? Answer: Understand it through these pointers- Question: What should you do if no money has been lost, but an attempt at fraud has been made? Answer: Do not ignore it. Save the details of the suspicious number, message, link or app, and block it. Also file a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. If you have shared your bank or card details, immediately inform the concerned bank. Question: How can children protect their parents or elderly family members from such scams? Answer: Make your parents or elderly family members aware of scams. Explain to them that they should not immediately trust any suspicious call or message. Teach and explain these important points to them: Question: Where can a complaint about online cybercrime be filed? Answer: Register a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, cybercrime.gov.in. If financial fraud has occurred, call 1930 immediately as well. Question: What information should be kept ready when filing a complaint on the Cyber Crime Portal? Answer: Keep the necessary information and evidence related to the fraud with you before filing the complaint, such as- Keep in mind: Do not delete the evidence, and keep the original chats/messages safe.