- No authentic government scheme offers loans at a 2% interest rate through Aadhaar cards.
- Fake messaging scams target Indians with misinformation, seeking personal data.
- PIB Fact Check advises against sharing or believing such deceptive messages.
A new message recently circulated falsely claims that individuals can get loans at an incredibly low interest rate of 2% under a supposed “PM Scheme”. The fraudulent message spreads misinformation, assuring citizens they could obtain loans merely with the use of their Aadhaar cards. This bogus alert also mentions a contact number promising further benefits.
Understanding the Circulating Message
The message in question was originally circulated in Hindi and translates to “Pradhan Mantri Yojana Aadhar Card Loan at 2% Interest, and 50% waiver. Call 8595311955.” Such offers are too good to be true, prompting many to question their legitimacy. It’s key to understand that offers promising to link Aadhaar for loans aren’t officially sanctioned by the government.
PIB Fact Check: Addressing the Scam
PIB Fact Check, an official platform dedicated to verifying information related to the Government of India, has clearly stated that this message is FAKE. Unfortunately, such false communications are not unique and often recur with slight variations. PIB Fact Check emphasizes ignoring and not forwarding these messages.
“In a fake message, it is being claimed that under the PM scheme, a loan will be given from an Aadhaar card at 2% annual interest. Please do not share such fake messages. It may also be an attempt to steal your personal information.” – PIB Fact Check
The Dangers of Falling for Scams
Such deceitful communications often aim to gather sensitive data, such as personal identification and financial information, to subsequently defraud recipients. Individuals are advised to exercise caution and understand the potential risks. Scammers exploit emotions and the allure of low-interest loans to trap unsuspecting victims into sharing confidential details.
Preventive Measures Against Fraud
Authorities suggest several measures to protect oneself from these scams:
Immediate Actions
- Avoid clicking on links or calling any phone numbers included in unexpected messages.
- Delete suspicious messages immediately to prevent accidental interaction.
- Refrain from forwarding these messages to others.
General Safety Recommendations
- Always cross-verify information via official government channels before acting on it.
- Keep abreast of announcements from official sources like PIB to check the authenticity of schemes.
- Secure personal data meticulously and avoid sharing sensitive information online.
In today’s digital age, it’s crucial to remain vigilant. Keep up-to-date and sceptical of offers that appear unusually attractive or with no supporting credible sources.