In today’s digital age, something new goes viral on social media every day; But, blindly trusting everything you see can be dangerous. Nowadays, a fraudulent advertisement is spreading rapidly, claiming that under the ‘Prime Minister’s Loan Scheme’, one can get a loan of up to ₹ 3 lakh on the basis of Aadhaar card alone. If you have also received any such message or advertisement, then be alert immediately.
What is this new scam?
This fraudulent scheme lures people by promising easy and quick loans. These advertisements look exactly like government schemes. Often, these contain an ‘Apply Now’ button, a link, or a QR code; By clicking on these, you reach an unknown website or mobile app. The government’s fact-checking agency, PIB Fact Check, has clearly stated that no scheme called ‘Pradhan Mantri Loan Scheme’ exists. The government is not running any scheme with this name right now.
How do people become its victims?
This scam especially targets people who are in dire need of money. As soon as a person clicks on the link, he is asked to provide his Aadhaar number, mobile number and banking related information. Many people come in a hurry and give this information easily. Subsequently, fraudsters misuse this data. Using the information you provide, they can withdraw money from your bank account or steal your identity (Identity Theft).
things to keep in mind
It’s important to note that this is not the first fraudulent scheme of this type; Even before, cases of fraud with people in the name of government schemes have come to light. To make sure you don’t fall victim to one of these scams:
Do not trust any offer that claims to provide instant loan without any verification.
Always verify information related to government schemes by visiting their official website.
Never share your personal information—such as Aadhaar number, OTP or banking information—on any unknown website.
Be wary of messages that appear rushed, contain suspicious links, or contain grammatical errors and bad language.
What to do if you get such a message?
If you receive such an ad or message, don’t just ignore it. You can report it on PIB Fact Check or related social media platforms. Remember, all that glitters on the internet is not gold. The lure of easy loan can land you in big trouble. So, be wise, verify every information and stay safe.