Fake 'Pensioner Card' scam: Bank of Baroda warns senior citizens, pensioners & ex-employees

Fake 'Pensioner Card' scam: In response to a surge in digital fraud cases, Bank of Baroda has issued a strong advisory to its pensioners, former employees, and senior citizens, cautioning them against fraudulent “Pensioner Card” offers circulating online.

According to the bank, scammers are sharing misleading messages and images claiming that a new Pensioner Card is being issued. These messages often contain suspicious links or requests for sensitive information such as OTPs, PINs, CVV numbers, Aadhaar, PAN and other banking details.

The bank has clarified that it has not issued any new Pensioner Card via social media or online links, and any such message should be treated as fraudulent.

"Bank of Baroda urges customers, especially senior citizens and pensioners, to remain vigilant against fraudulent messages and fake “Pensioner Card” offers circulating online. Please verify any such communication only through official Bank of Baroda channels or by visiting your nearest branch," the bank posted on social media platform X.

Fraudsters are also posing as bank officials or government representatives and urging victims to “verify” pension details. In some cases, they encourage users to install unknown apps or click on links that could compromise their devices.

• Ask for OTPs, PINs, CVV numbers, Aadhaar, PAN or other bank details

• Send links for “pension updates” or “verification”

• Impersonate bank officials or government representatives

The bank has reminded customers that it never asks for confidential information over phone calls, WhatsApp or SMS.

• Avoid clicking on unknown links

• Never share OTPs, PINs or passwords with anyone

• Not install screen-sharing or unknown apps at someone’s request

• Verify any suspicious communication directly with the bank or by visiting the nearest branch

If anyone receives a suspicious call or message, they should not respond or click on any link and should immediately contact official customer care or their nearest branch.

The lender urged families to spread awareness among senior citizens.