Railway Pensioners Alert: Cyber Fraud Surge Targets Retired Employees

The Ministry of Railways has issued an urgent advisory warning pensioners about a sharp rise in cyber fraud. Scammers are impersonating railway officials through phone calls and messages to steal personal and financial information under false pretenses like updating Pension Payment Orders (PPOs). The notice clarifies that no legitimate railway official will ever ask for bank details, OTPs, or passwords via these channels. Pensioners are urged to report any suspicious contact immediately to the Police Cyber Cell.

Key Points: Railway Pensioners Warned of Cyber Fraud Scams

  • Surge in cyber fraud targeting railway pensioners
  • Fake calls/SMS/WhatsApp from "officials"
  • Scammers seek PPO, KYC, bank details
  • Advisory: never share OTPs or passwords
  • Report suspicious contacts to Cyber Cell
2 min read

Beware of cyber fraud: Railway pensioners urged to stay vigilant against scammers

Railways issue urgent advisory as fraudsters target pensioners via fake calls & messages for personal/financial details. Stay vigilant.

"No Railway official is authorised to seek bank details, OTPs, passwords, or any confidential information - Ministry of Railways"

New Delhi, February 26

The Ministry of Railways has issued an urgent advisory for its pensioners to stay alert against a surge in cyber fraud targeting retired employees.

They have been urged to stay vigilant against cyber fraudsters who are making fake phone calls and sending SMS/WhatsApp messages in the name of Railway officials, seeking personal and financial details on the pretext of PPO updates, KYC verification, and additional pension benefits.

It has come to the attention of railway authorities that certain cyber fraudsters are targeting railway pensioners by posing as Railway officials and seeking sensitive information.

Pensioners have been informed that Railways do not send links or messages for updating the PPO (Pension Payment Order) or service records. No Railway official is authorised to seek bank details, OTPs, passwords, or any confidential information through phone calls, SMS, WhatsApp, or social media.

The advisory emphasised that pensioners should remain vigilant and also sensitise their family members about such fraudulent activities.

Any suspicious call or message should be immediately reported to the Police Cyber Cell and the concerned administrative office, the notice stated.

The warning comes amid a rise in cyber fraud cases targeting senior citizens, particularly pensioners, who are often vulnerable to such scams. Fraudsters typically use official-sounding language and create a sense of urgency to trick victims into sharing confidential information.

Railway authorities have repeatedly cautioned pensioners to never share personal or financial details over phone calls or through digital channels, no matter how authentic the caller may sound.

The government has been taking steps to create awareness about cyber fraud and has urged citizens to report such incidents promptly to prevent financial losses.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Good that Railways are issuing advisories, but awareness needs to reach every household. Many pensioners live alone or are not tech-savvy. Banks and local post offices should also help spread this message in regional languages.
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Sarah B
It's heartbreaking to see seniors being targeted. The sense of urgency they create is the main trick. Families must sit with their elderly parents and grandparents and explain that no *genuine* official will ever ask for an OTP or password over the phone. Ever.
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Vikram M
While the advisory is necessary, the government needs stronger action. Why can't these scam numbers be traced and blocked faster? The cyber cells are understaffed and the process to report is still cumbersome for a common person.
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Anjali F
Absolutely correct. My father is a pensioner and he got a call from someone claiming to be from "Railway Head Office, Delhi". The caller ID was spoofed to look genuine. We have filed a complaint but no update yet. More concrete steps are needed beyond just warnings.
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Karthik V
Simple rule for all pensioners: Hang up. Then call the official railway helpline number from your phone book/website to verify. Do not call back on the number provided by the caller. Share this with all the retired uncles and aunties in your family.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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