Ration Card e-KYC and Subsidy Scam by SMS

How it looks by SMS, the red flags and what to do.

On SMS the scammer has only a few lines to work with, so they use a deadline, a threat or a prize and a link that must be tapped "now". Ration Card e-KYC and Subsidy Scam is one of the ways this shows up: Messages warn that your ration card will be cancelled unless you complete e-KYC through a link or app, then take Aadhaar details and OTPs.

What ration card e-kyc and subsidy scam looks like by SMS

• A sender name that resembles a bank, courier, tax or utility, or an ordinary mobile number.
• A very short message with a deadline such as "today" or "within 24 hours".
• A shortened or oddly spelled link that does not match the real website.

The scammer copies the language of local announcements about e-KYC drives and sends it to community and neighbourhood groups. The message names a state food department or says the list is being cleaned. It includes a link to a form, or a file to install, or a helpline number that connects to the scammer. The sender may use a government-looking profile picture.

Red flags to check on the text message

• It says your ration card will be cancelled soon.
• It asks for the Aadhaar of every family member through a link.
• It sends an app file instead of an official link.
• It asks you to type an OTP into a form.
• The message asks for an OTP, PIN, card number or password.
• It threatens blocking, arrest, disconnection or a fine unless you act at once.

What to do

1. Do not use the link or call the number in the message.
2. Ask at your local ration shop or the state food department office how e-KYC is done in your area.
3. Check the state's official website by typing it yourself.
4. Paste the text into a scam checker (Safeavio Sentinel can check it) before you do anything else.
5. Report the sender on the Sanchar Saathi portal (Chakshu facility) and block the number.
6. Delete the message and tell family members who may get the same text.

You can report suspicious SMS and calls on the Sanchar Saathi portal (Chakshu facility) of the Department of Telecommunications.

If money or a code is already gone

1. If you entered an OTP or Aadhaar details, tell your bank through the number on your passbook.
2. Call 1930 if any money was taken, quickly.
3. File a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in with screenshots of the message.
4. Uninstall any app you installed from a message and change important passwords.

National Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930; report at cybercrime.gov.in.

Safeavio Sentinel lets a family member paste or share the message into the scam check, which explains why it looks risky: a threat of cancellation, requests for Aadhaar and an OTP. The link check can show lookalike addresses. A parent can set up the family so younger members help older ones check messages. It does not know your real ration record, so confirm status at the official office.

Full guide: Ration Card e-KYC and Subsidy Scam: how it works, signs and what to do. Other channels: WhatsApp, phone call.

Questions