Government Issues Warning for Pensioners: Stay Alert from Cyber Frauds While Submitting Digital Life Certificates

The Government of India has urged pensioners to remain cautious while submitting their Digital Life Certificates (DLCs) this November, as incidents of cyber fraud targeting elderly citizens are on the rise. With the launch of the Digital Life Certificate Campaign 4.0, the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) has issued an official advisory emphasizing the importance of using authorized platforms only for submission to prevent data theft and online scams.

Rising Cyber Threats Amid Digital Pension Submissions

The Digital Life Certificate drive is active from November 1 to November 30, 2025, allowing pensioners to verify their existence digitally without visiting banks or offices. While this initiative aims to simplify the pension process, cybercriminals are exploiting this convenience by creating fake websites, apps, and phishing links to steal sensitive information such as Aadhaar numbers, bank details, and OTPs.

Authorities have noted a surge in fraudulent activities during the ongoing campaign and have cautioned all pensioners to stay vigilant against such digital traps.

Use Only Authorized Platforms

According to the DoPPW, pensioners must submit their Digital Life Certificates exclusively through government-approved portals and apps, such as:

• The Jeevan Pramaan Portal (https://jeevanpramaan.gov.in)

• The India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) App or Post Office App

• The Aadhaar Face RD Application

The advisory clearly warns against using any unauthorized agents, third-party apps, or unverified links, as cyber fraudsters often replicate government websites to capture personal and financial data. Pensioners are encouraged to verify URLs and application sources before logging in or uploading information.

Protect Aadhaar and Banking Information

To safeguard their financial identity, pensioners are strongly advised not to share Aadhaar numbers, PPO numbers, bank account details, or OTPs with any unknown person or caller. Such details can be misused for identity theft or unauthorized transactions.

Sensitive data should only be entered or submitted on official government websites or authorized applications. Pensioners should also regularly monitor their bank accounts for any suspicious activity and report discrepancies immediately.

Beware of Fake Calls and Emails

The government has reiterated that no official agency ever asks for OTPs, passwords, or bank PINs over phone or email. Pensioners must avoid responding to unsolicited calls, emails, or messages that claim to be from banks or government departments.

Any message containing suspicious links should be verified before clicking. Cybercriminals often use official-looking templates or messages to lure unsuspecting users into sharing personal information.

Ensure Secure Devices and Internet Connections

To maintain data security during the DLC submission process, pensioners should:

• Use updated smartphones, computers, and antivirus software.

• Avoid public Wi-Fi networks and instead use secure home or mobile internet connections.

• Refrain from accessing pension-related portals from shared or cyber café systems.

These simple precautions can help prevent hackers from accessing sensitive data through unsecured networks.

Report Any Suspicious Activity Immediately

In case of any cyber fraud, suspicious activity, or misuse of personal information, pensioners should immediately:

Inform their bank to freeze transactions or accounts if needed.

File a complaint at the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal – https://cybercrime.gov.in.

Timely reporting can significantly reduce the risk of major financial losses.

What Is a Digital Life Certificate and Why It’s Important

The Digital Life Certificate (Jeevan Pramaan) serves as an electronic verification that a pensioner is alive, ensuring that pension payments continue uninterrupted. Pensioners are required to submit it once every year in November.

With digital submission options now available, pensioners can easily verify their life status online without visiting banks or government offices. This not only saves time but also promotes transparency and efficiency in pension disbursement.

Bottom Line

While digitalization has simplified the pension process, it has also created new opportunities for online fraudsters. Pensioners must exercise caution, use only official apps and portals, and avoid sharing personal details to stay protected. Following the government’s advisory can help ensure a safe, smooth, and secure DLC submission process this year.