Pandemic-Era Relief Grant Fee Scam

How Pandemic-Era Relief Grant Fee Scam Works

Overview: The Pandemic-Era Relief Grant Fee Scam revives old pandemic benefits, falsely claiming victims are entitled to government stimulus grants or COVID-19 relief payments. Scammers exploit continued confusion over delayed refunds or benefits, especially among those who may not have received all promised assistance during the crisis years. They target Indians during tax season, sending messages that promise unclaimed pandemic funds but demand a 'release fee' or 'tax clearance' first. How It Works: You receive a text, email, or WhatsApp message stating the government is providing a new COVID-19 relief package, and your name is on the beneficiary list. To get your funds, you're instructed to pay a small advance, often called a 'tax advance', 'release fee', or 'processing charge.' Direction is given to transfer it via UPI to a personal account or QR code. After the fee is paid, communication ceases and no grant is credited to your account. India Angle: This scam sees renewed activity each April, coinciding with tax refunds and audits. Messaging often references official programs like PM CARES, 'Covid Relief Grant', or state-specific Covid response schemes. Targeted victims include self-employed individuals, daily wage earners, and students—all of whom may have previously registered for relief. Scammers send messages mainly in Hindi and English, but also regional languages where state benefit schemes ran during the pandemic. Real Examples: - "Dear citizen, you are selected for ₹10,000 COVID-19 relief fund. Claim by paying ₹1,000 tax clearance today." - "PM Covid Grant update: Last beneficiary list out. Confirm eligibility and release your pending relief after transferring ₹750 as tax." Red Flags: - Messages about new relief funds years after the pandemic - Payment demanded before receiving any grant money - Messaging in mass WhatsApp forwards or bulk SMS format - Use of personal UPI IDs or QR codes - No official communication from government sources Protective Measures: - Confirm all government relief schemes through official .gov.in portals - Never pay money upfront to claim any grant - Report such communications and warn at-risk family/friends - Inform local panchayat or government office if in doubt If Victimised: - Retain phone numbers, messages, and bank transaction proofs - Immediately report on 1930, cybercrime.gov.in, and your bank Related Scams: - Old Scholarship Refund Fee Frauds - Post-Disaster Government Grant Release Phishing - PDS Ration Card Subsidy Scams

Visual Intelligence:

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

Who Does Pandemic-Era Relief Grant Fee Scam Target?

General public across India

Red Flags — How to Identify Pandemic-Era Relief Grant Fee Scam

• Unsolicited offers for 'Covid' or stimulus grants
• Asked to pay a processing fee in advance
• Request comes via mass WhatsApp/SMS, not official portal
• Personal UPI ID/QR code for payments
• References to outdated pandemic programs

What To Do If You Encounter Pandemic-Era Relief Grant Fee Scam

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 Pandemic-Era Relief Grant Fee Scam 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 Pandemic-Era Relief Grant Fee Scam?

Overview: The Pandemic-Era Relief Grant Fee Scam revives old pandemic benefits, falsely claiming victims are entitled to government stimulus grants or COVID-19 relief payments. Scammers exploit continued confusion over delayed refunds or benefits, especially among those who may not have received all promised assistance during the crisis years. They target Indians during tax season, sending messages that promise unclaimed pandemic funds but demand a 'release fee' or 'tax clearance' first. How It

How does Pandemic-Era Relief Grant Fee Scam work?

Overview: The Pandemic-Era Relief Grant Fee Scam revives old pandemic benefits, falsely claiming victims are entitled to government stimulus grants or COVID-19 relief payments. Scammers exploit continued confusion over delayed refunds or benefits, especially among those who may not have received all promised assistance during the crisis years. They target Indians during tax season, sending message

How to protect yourself from Pandemic-Era Relief Grant Fee Scam?

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 Pandemic-Era Relief Grant Fee Scam 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.