08-07-2025
Cybercrime cell warns pensioners of life cert scam
Lucknow: The cybercrime cell has issued an urgent public advisory warning pension holders against a rising wave of sophisticated cyber fraud targeting retirees under the guise of updating the Jeevan Pramaan Patra (life certificate).
According to officials, cybercriminals are now exploiting sensitive personal data of pensioners — including date of appointment, retirement date, PPO number (pension payment order), Aadhaar number, permanent address, email ID, retirement benefits, monthly pension and nominee details — to convincingly impersonate representatives of the pension directorate.
"These fraudsters contact pensioners and pose as govt officials," the advisory said adding that "They cite accurate personal details to build trust, then urge the pensioner to share a one-time password (OTP) sent to their phone, claiming it is required to update the Jeevan Pramaan Patra online."
However, once the OTP is shared, the cybercriminals gain full access to the pensioner's bank account, enabling them to siphon off the entire balance, which is then routed to fake accounts or digital wallets.
The cybercrime cell clarified that the pension directorate never calls pensioners to update their life certificates online, nor does it collect sensitive data over the phone. Updating the Jeevan Pramaan Patra is a personal responsibility and must be done in person through authorised centres.
Authorities urge all pensioners and their families to remain vigilant, never share OTPs or bank details over the phone, and immediately report any suspicious activity to the cybercrime cell, Hazratganj, or their nearest police station.
