47 yr man loses 1.23 lakh to cyber fraud while trying to check PF balance; here is how to check it correctly

A 47 year old man lost Rs. 1.23 lakh to cyber fraud while trying to check his PF balance. Check details here.

Here is how you can check the PF balance online. (Pixabay)

How do you check your Provident Fund (PF) balance? There are several ways using which EPFO members can check the PF balance. One can check PF balance by visiting the official website EPFO, Umang App, SMS service, among others. However, you need to be cautious while checking your PF balance via SMS or missed call as you need to be sure of the number you are typing. As per a recent update, a 47 year old man has been fooled to lose Rs. 1.23 lakh. Check the details here.

The man works as an accounts officer in a private company and was surfing on the internet for EPFO's helpline number in order to check his PF balance when he came across a fraudulent helpline number. According to a report by Free Press Journal, the fraudulent number stated on the internet as the helpline number on the pretext of assisting him induced him to download a remote access app and looted him of Rs. 1.23 lakh in 14 different transactions.

According to the report, the man was trying to open the EPFO website on his phone but it was not loading. After which he surfed on the internet about the PF's customer care helpline number. The helpline official, then on the pretext of helping him, asked him to download a remote access app on his phone. The man also shared a 9 digit code to the fraud official. The fraudster then asked the man to login into his e-payment gateway system to make some initial payment to complete the process to check the PF balance, police said. The man followed the instructions and ended up losing Rs. 1.23 lakh in 14 transactions.

Therefore, all the EPFO members are advised to not to contact the numbers provided on the internet and provide the person with some of the crucial details. Also, use the details provided on the official EPFO website. Here are the ways you can check the PF balance:

How to check PF balance via EPFO portal

You will have to visit the official website of EPFO or click on the link- www.epfindia.gov.in. Then select the 'Our Services' tab and click on 'For Employees'. Click on 'Member Passbook' and enter your UAN and password. Once you do so you will be able to see your passbook. It can be noted that people who have worked in more than one organisation will have different member IDs to choose from.

How to check PF balance via Umang App

For checking PF Balance via Umang App, you will first have to download the app and then log in by entering your UAN and OTP (one-time password) to check the PF account balance.

How to check PF balance via SMS service

You can check your PF balance by sending a text message (SMS) to 7738299899 by typing 'EPFOHO UAN ENG' using your registered mobile number with the UAN (Universal Account Number). It can be noted that the last three digits of the message represents the language in which you want to receive the message. This service is provided in nine languages including Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Marathi, Gujarati, Kannada, Punjabi, Telugu and Malayalam.

How to check PF balance via missed call

Registered users can give a missed call to 011-22901406 from their UAN registered mobile number after which they will receive an SMS with details of the PF account balance.