Alright, imagine getting a call from a “government official” offering you extra pension benefits. Sounds tempting, right? But wait—before you start sharing your bank details, you might want to hold off. Scammers are preying on pensioners in Tamil Nadu by posing as officials and tricking them into sharing their financial information.
In recent months, the Cyber Crime Wing of the Tamil Nadu Police has seen an uptick in fraud cases targeting pensioners. Here’s the scoop.
Scammers are impersonating pension office officials, contacting elderly victims to “help” with pension schemes, including old-age pensions, handicapped pensions, and more. These scammers try to get victims to share sensitive bank information or scan QR codes, which ultimately results in financial loss.
How It Works
The scam often unfolds over a phone call where the scammer, posing as a government official, offers assistance with a specific pension scheme. Victims are asked to share personal financial details like bank account numbers and OTPs. Sometimes, scammers even send QR codes for the victim to scan, claiming it’s necessary to receive their pension payments. After scanning, the victim’s bank account is debited, and the funds are gone.
Another tactic? Scammers may ask victims to share their mobile screens over WhatsApp, allowing them to directly access bank details and other sensitive information.
Who’s Targeted?
This scam is mainly targeting senior citizens in Tamil Nadu, especially those who rely on pensions as a primary source of income. The victims are usually individuals receiving various forms of government pensions.
Real-Life Example
Tamil Nadu’s Cyber Crime Wing has received nearly 28 complaints since January 2024, highlighting how widespread this scam has become. Sandeep Mittal, Additional Director General of Police for Cyber Crime, shared that these fraud cases are causing not only financial strain but emotional distress as well, particularly for those who depend heavily on their pensions.
Why You Should Care
This scam is more than just a financial threat—it can have a profound emotional toll on victims, especially when they are elderly and reliant on limited incomes. Losing pension funds due to a scam can be devastating, leaving victims struggling with both financial loss and feelings of betrayal.
How to Protect Yourself
Here are practical ways to stay protected:
- Never share sensitive information over the phone: No legitimate government agency will ask for your bank details or OTP via a call.
- Avoid scanning QR codes from unknown sources: Scammers use QR codes to access your bank information and drain your account.
- Don’t share your mobile screen on calls or WhatsApp: This allows scammers to view your personal data directly.
- Verify the caller’s identity: Contact the pension office directly if you receive a call claiming to be from a government official offering benefits.
Quick Tip #1: "Did you know? Government agencies don’t require QR codes for processing pensions. This is a tactic used by scammers to siphon off money."
Quick Tip #2: "Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about a call, always verify the caller’s identity by contacting the pension office yourself. Don’t trust unsolicited offers for ‘benefits’."
Have you or someone you know received suspicious calls like these? Share your experiences in the comments below—your story could help prevent others from falling victim to these scams!
Stay safe, stay informed,
Key Terms Explained
- OTP (One-Time Password): A temporary password used for verifying transactions, usually sent by the bank via text message.
- QR Code: A digital code that, when scanned, can link to a website or trigger certain actions, often exploited by scammers to gain access to bank accounts.
- Screen Sharing: A method where someone can view and access your phone’s content in real-time, which can be misused to steal financial information.
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