Fraudsters in Pakistan are getting smarter, and now they are using the names of trusted government programs like the Ehsas Kafalat Program and Benazir Income Support Program to scam people. Many people are getting fake messages on their phones saying that they have been approved for financial aid. These scams are stealing money from innocent people by tricking them into sharing personal details or sending money.
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How Does the Scam Work?
- Fake SMS or WhatsApp Messages:
- You might receive a message saying, “Congratulations! Your Rs.12,000 aid has been approved under the Ehsas Kafalat Program or Benazir Income Support Program.”
- The message will include a file number or token number to make it look real.
- The sender will ask you to contact them on WhatsApp or call a number for more details.
- Tricks They Use:
- Advance Money: They will ask you to send money in advance, saying it is needed to process your payment or keep your funds “safe.”
- OTP Codes: They may say they need the OTP (One-Time Password) sent to your Easypaisa, JazzCash, or bank account to transfer the money. Once you share the OTP, they can empty your account.
- Personal Information: Sometimes, they will ask for your CNIC number or other details to misuse your identity.
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How to Spot a Fake Message
It’s important to know the signs of a scam. Here are some things to watch for:
- The message is sent from an unknown number.
- It has spelling mistakes or looks unprofessional.
- It offers money without any proper verification.
- It asks you to share personal details, send money, or provide an OTP.
- It directs you to contact someone on WhatsApp or an unknown number.
What is the Real Ehsas Kafalat or Benazir Program?
The real Ehsas Kafalat Program and Benazir Income Support Program are run by the government to help deserving people. These programs provide income support ranging from Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 25,000 to low-income families. They also include scholarships for education, interest-free loans, and emergency relief during disasters.
To check your eligibility for these programs, you can use the 8171 web portal:
- Visit the official 8171.pass.gov.pk website.
- Enter your CNIC number to check eligibility.
- If eligible, complete the NSER survey at a registration center to finalize approval.
It’s important to note:
- Do not send random SMS messages to people.
- Do not ask for money in advance to process payments.
- Do not ask for your OTP or CNIC details over the phone or WhatsApp.
How to Protect Yourself
- Do Not Share Personal Details: Never give your CNIC number, OTP, or bank account details to anyone claiming to be from these programs.
- Do Not Send Money: If someone asks for advance money to process your aid, it is a scam.
- Verify Information: Always check the official websites or helplines for any updates about government programs.
- Block and Report: Block the number and report it to the FIA Cybercrime Wing or PTA to stop these fraudsters.
What Should You Do If You Get Such a Message?
- Ignore and Delete: Don’t respond to the message or call the number.
- Block the Number: Block the sender so they can’t contact you again.
- Report the Scam: Report the message to the FIA Cybercrime Wing by calling 9911 or using their website.
- Educate Others: Share this information with your friends and family so they don’t fall into this trap.
Conclusion
The new scams are design to trick people into losing their hard-earned money. Always be careful when you receive such messages and never share your personal details or send money. The real Ehsas Kafalat Program and Benazir Income Support Program will never ask for OTPs, advance payments, or personal information over WhatsApp or SMS.
Stay alert, stay safe, and help spread the word to protect others!
Shahid joined us in 2024 as an author. He is a senior contributor to Pakistan’s leading technology websites. He writes detailed articles, mostly covering his expertise in the latest tech, mobiles, apps, gadgets, and step-by-step guides. His ideology is to help people understand the latest trends and explain complex methods through very easy-to-understand guides.
Shahid started his career in journalism after completing his four-year Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Punjab University. Before joining us at Pakera.pk, he worked as a freelance content writer for notable websites and blogs, producing guides, reviews, and how-to articles. Shahid’s ability to simplify complex ideas and methods and present them crystal clear has made him a very reliable asset for us as well as for our readers.
On Pakistan Era, Shahid leads our in-depth guides that solve common tech-related problems. He focuses on making the latest technology usable and practical for our readers.
When not in working mode, Shahid still explores new gadgets, generates ideas, and does topic research for future writing. When he’s not connected with technology, he plays chess often, discovers new ways to improve his content, and learns new tricks like how to solve a Rubik’s Cube, which he loves to solve and make fun of us about how we can’t. He actively takes part in global communities and forums and stays ahead of the trends and changes in the industry.
