MUDRA Loan WhatsApp Message: If you applied for the PM MUDRA Loan Scheme recently and receive a WhatsApp message stating that your loan has been approved, please exercise caution. This message could be part of a scam rather than a genuine notification. Fraudsters are currently using WhatsApp to target people in the name of MUDRA loans. They first convince individuals that their loan has been approved and then ask for details from documents such as Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and other essential paperwork.
The government has issued an alert regarding such fraudulent messages. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has clarified that fake messages are being sent via social media platforms claiming MUDRA loan approval. People are advised not to trust such messages and to avoid sharing their personal information with unknown individuals.
How are people being trapped in this scam?
In this type of scam, the user is first led to believe that their loan has been sanctioned, prompting them to provide the necessary documents. In many instances, the scam escalates into financial fraud where victims are asked to pay processing fees, registration fees, or other charges. It usually begins with a simple WhatsApp message, after which fraudsters obtain the user’s personal details. A major concern is that scammers often use fake websites and impersonate government entities or officials to make the messages appear authentic. It is advisable to contact the lending institution directly and apply through their official channels.
Do not share Aadhaar or PAN card details
Aadhaar and PAN cards contain sensitive personal information. Sharing these details in response to a message from an unknown person can be risky. If someone asks for documents solely via WhatsApp, first verify whether they are genuinely associated with an official bank or financial institution. The safest approach is to contact the bank directly—the one where you submitted your application—for any information regarding the loan.
Sharing the OTP
Please note that if anyone asks for an OTP via WhatsApp claiming it is for ‘Mudra loan approval,’ you must not share the OTP under any circumstances. An OTP is critical information required for banking and various other services. Cyber fraudsters often try to obtain OTPs using various pretexts. Even if the person claims to be a bank official, a loan agent, or a representative of a government agency, do not share the OTP with them.
Information from PIB
PIB Fact Check has clarified that the viral message is completely fake and misleading. If you receive such information, do not believe it. Before trusting it, verify the facts by sending the information to PIB.