Life certificate at home scam: How a Facebook ad duped an Indore pensioner of ₹2 lakh; 5 ways to stay safe

The pensioner came across an advertisement on Facebook offering to arrange a life certificate at home. After clicking on it, he received a link and was asked to enter his bank details. The moment he submitted the information, ₹2 lakh was withdrawn from his account, the report added.

The good news was that the money was recovered within 24 hours.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajesh Dandotiya said the man had promptly approached the police after discovering the unauthorised withdrawal.

How can pensioners get a life certificate at home?

The service costs ₹70, inclusive of applicable taxes. No additional doorstep charge is levied. Pensioners can contact their nearest post office to request the service.

Five precautions senior citizens should take to avoid life certificate fraud

A promise of doorstep service does not mean the provider is authorised. Check with your bank, post office or India Post Payments Bank before responding to an advertisement or calling an unfamiliar number.

The official life certificate process may require pension-related details, Aadhaar authentication and biometrics. However, nobody should ask you to disclose your ATM PIN, card CVV, internet banking password or OTP over a phone call or through an unverified link.

Use the official Jeevan Pramaan website or the service provider's verified channels. Avoid clicking on shortened links or links sent by unknown people on WhatsApp, SMS or social media.

If visiting a bank or government office is difficult, use the official doorstep facility offered by IPPB or check with your pension-disbursing bank.

If money is withdrawn without your permission, contact your bank immediately and call the national cybercrime helpline 1930. You can also register a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in.

What if money has already been debited?

Call 1930 immediately, inform your bank and keep the transaction reference number, SMS alerts, screenshots and details of the suspicious link handy.

The Indore pensioner was fortunate to get his entire money back because the police managed to stop the online orders before delivery.

For pensioners, the safest approach is to use recognised channels for life certificate services and never share sensitive banking credentials.