IEPF Claim Assistance Fraud

How IEPF Claim Assistance Fraud Works

Overview: IEPF Claim Assistance Fraud targets Indians trying to recover unclaimed shares, dividends, or mutual funds. Fraudsters pose as facilitators or consultants, luring victims through ads, emails, or calls, and demand hefty service charges for 'fast-tracked' claim processing. Many end up losing both money and critical personal data. How It Works: Victims searching for help with the IEPF process see online ads or receive WhatsApp messages from self-proclaimed claim experts. These scammers offer to handle all paperwork if the victim sends identity proofs and processing fees (₹3,000–₹40,000). Fake forms and elaborate tracking links are shared. Victims are asked to provide family details, share certificates, and Online KYC documents. After payment, either the fraudster disappears or the victim receives fake approval certificates, sometimes exposing them to identity theft. India Angle: This scam has surged nationwide since the IEPF saw media coverage in 2025. It especially affects retirees, senior citizens, and family members unfamiliar with online claims. Frauds are rampant in northern and western Indian cities and towns with heavy investments in old shares. Real Examples: “Guaranteed IEPF claim within 7 days. No effort needed—send Aadhaar, PAN and pay ₹10,000 by UPI to start the process,” says one WhatsApp message with IEPF and MCA logos. Another example: Victim is urged to fill online forms on a site like iepf-helpdesk.co.in. Red Flags: - Assured or guaranteed success in claim approval. - Use of non-government websites (.co.in, .helpdesk) for form submissions. - Requests for fee payments via UPI or digital wallets. - Asking for multiple family members’ personal and shareholding details. - Too-good-to-be-true timelines or zero paperwork claims. Protective Measures: Use only the official IEPF portal (iepf.gov.in). Avoid engaging with agents claiming to guarantee results. Never share KYC documents or original certificates with unverified contacts. For guidance, consult SEBI-registered advisors or your bank. If Victimised: Block the scammer, contact 1930 and cybercrime.gov.in, and alert your Demat provider to monitor misuse of shareholding information. Related Scams: - DEAF (unclaimed deposit) claim agent frauds. - Fake share buyback facilitators. - Unclaimed insurance policy agent scams.

Visual Intelligence:

BharatSecure's AI has identified this as a used in scams targeting Indian users.

Who Does IEPF Claim Assistance Fraud Target?

General public across India

Red Flags — How to Identify IEPF Claim Assistance Fraud

• Promises of guaranteed or zero-effort IEPF claims
• Use of unofficial or lookalike websites
• Requests for payment via UPI before any service
• Collecting entire family’s investment or KYC data
• Fake government logos and certificates

What To Do If You Encounter IEPF Claim Assistance Fraud

1. Do not click any links or share personal information
2. Block and report the sender immediately
3. Report at cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930
4. Inform your bank if financial details were shared

How to Report IEPF Claim Assistance Fraud in India

• Call 1930 — National Cyber Crime Helpline (24x7)
• File a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in
• Contact your bank immediately if money was lost
• Call RBI helpline: 14440 for banking fraud

Frequently Asked Questions

What is IEPF Claim Assistance Fraud?

Overview: IEPF Claim Assistance Fraud targets Indians trying to recover unclaimed shares, dividends, or mutual funds. Fraudsters pose as facilitators or consultants, luring victims through ads, emails, or calls, and demand hefty service charges for 'fast-tracked' claim processing. Many end up losing both money and critical personal data. How It Works: Victims searching for help with the IEPF process see online ads or receive WhatsApp messages from self-proclaimed claim experts. These scammers o

How does IEPF Claim Assistance Fraud work?

Overview: IEPF Claim Assistance Fraud targets Indians trying to recover unclaimed shares, dividends, or mutual funds. Fraudsters pose as facilitators or consultants, luring victims through ads, emails, or calls, and demand hefty service charges for 'fast-tracked' claim processing. Many end up losing both money and critical personal data. How It Works: Victims searching for help with the IEPF proc

How to protect yourself from IEPF Claim Assistance Fraud?

Do not click any links or share personal information Block and report the sender immediately Report at cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930 Inform your bank if financial details were shared

How to report IEPF Claim Assistance Fraud in India?

Report to cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930 (National Cyber Crime Helpline). You can also contact your local police station's cyber cell.

Verify Any Suspicious Message

Check any suspicious message, link, or call for free at bharatsecure.app. BharatSecure uses AI to detect scams in real-time and protect Indian users.