The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has issued a comprehensive cyber awareness advisory warning users against increasing fraud cases, particularly through digital platforms. According to reports from Zee News, the organisation emphasizes that fraud cases are becoming increasingly prevalent, with criminals using online tools to scam people through mobile numbers, social media, websites, and applications. EPFO advises users to stay alert while using these digital channels to protect themselves from such scams.
EPFO has established strict guidelines for users to follow to avoid falling victim to cyber fraud. As reported by Zee News, users must refrain from sharing the Universal Account Number (UAN), password, One-Time Password (OTP), and Aadhaar details. Similarly, account numbers, ATM/debit card details, and PIN should not be revealed to anyone. The organisation emphasizes that EPFO does not ask for confidential information through WhatsApp or phone calls, warning users to be cautious of any such requests and not to reveal sensitive information.
According to the advisory from Zee News, users must check the authenticity of any app or website before filling in information. For legitimate EPFO services, users should visit the official website at www.epfo.gov.in or download the UMANG app. EPFO offers services free of cost, therefore no assistance from any agent is required, and users are advised to avoid paying such agents. The organisation also warns against fraudulent calls, messages, emails, and links claiming to be from EPFO, urging users not to respond to these communications.
As reported by Zee News, EPFO provides specific safety guidelines for digital platforms. Users are advised to keep mobile numbers and email ID updated with the UAN to receive official alerts on time. Fraudulent calls and messages must be immediately reported to the nearest police station or Cyber Fraud Cell. The organisation warns against downloading and installing APK files, advising users to stay alert when dealing with files with .apk extensions that could potentially be used for malicious scams. Additionally, users should not contact phone numbers received in reply to comments on EPFO's social media posts and avoid clicking on phishing links received on WhatsApp.
According to the advisory from Zee News, users are advised to promptly lodge a complaint at EPFO's Grievance Management System if they observe any suspicious activity. EPFO urges users to spread awareness among friends and family to keep them alert regarding ongoing fraudulent activities in the digital sphere. The organisation also recommends attending outreach programmes organised on the 27th of every month at the nearest camp and watching videos posted on EPFO's official YouTube channel for the latest updates and news about the organisation.
