PF Account: Here’s How Members Can Prevent Online Frauds, Scams

EPFO members have the option to seek information on related services on the UMANG app, a government routed platform.

New Delhi: Warning against online frauds and scams, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) issued an advisory asking the members to refrain from sharing any information related to their PF account over calls or social media interaction.

In its advisory, the EPFO tweeted, "EPFO never asks its members to share their personal details like Aadhaar, PAN, UAN, Bank Account or OTP over phone or on social media.” It went on to say that it never asks for personal details over call, WhatsApp or social media. Adding that it never asks PF account holders to deposit money to avail of its services, the EPFO advised to not respond to calls asking for personal details.

How to reach out to EPFO for grievances?

In order to share concerns or grievances, members can approach EPFO at https://epfigms.gov.in or connect over toll-free number 1800-118-005. EPFO members have the option to seek information on related services on the UMANG app, a government-managed platform as well.

There are chances that hackers may log in to your EPF account compromising its security in case you have happened to share personal details. Those who have recently changed their job and have not transferred their EPF account to the new organization may be at greater risks of such cyber-attacks.

Such cases of phishing attacks had witnessed a rise since lockdown with the law enforcement agencies bursting several rackets involved in such scams.

In case you have an EPFO account and happen to get any such calls, make sure you report it to EPFO or other law enforcement agencies.

Considered as one of the world’s largest social security schemes, the EPFO scheme applies to every organization with 20 or more employees. Under this scheme, the employee whose pay is more than Rs 15,000 per month to pay a certain contribution of his salary (12 per cent) toward the EPF account, and an equal contribution is paid by the employer. At the time of pension, the employee gets an accumulated sum of money from his EPFO account along with the applicable interest. There are also provisions to withdraw this money before maturity.