A new SMS has been circulating nowadays, which claims that citizens of India can acquire loans at an affordable interest rate of 2% under the PM Scheme. According to the circulating message, people can get a loan using just their Aadhaar cards.
The message has been circulated in the Hindi language, which read, “प्रधानमंत्री योजना आधारकार्ड लोन 2% ब्याज, 50% माफ Call 8595311955,” which could be loosely translated as, “Pradhan Mantri Yojana Aadhar Card Loan at 2% Interest, and 50% waiver. Call 8595311955.
Is this message true?
According to the PIB Fact Check’s latest post on X (formerly known as Twitter), the circulating message is FAKE, and no such loan facility has been provided by the government under the PM Scheme.
It is to be noted that PIB Fact Check is a page that verifies the fake news and misinformation linked to the government of India.
While sharing the information about the latest message, PIB Fact Check wrote, “In a fake message, it is being claimed that under the PM scheme, a loan will be given from an Aadhaar card at 2% annual interest. Please do not share such fake messages. It may also be an attempt to steal your personal information.” (Notably, the original message was posted in Hindi).
Along with this message, PIB Fact Check also mentioned that such messages or information should be cross-checked by the receivers, and they should not forward it.
What are the risks involved?
It is known that such messages are shared by the public with the motive to steal money from bank accounts and sensitive information such as personal details, financial details, PAN numbers, etc.
How to avoid such messages?
The government of India and experts suggest not entertaining such messages. People should prefer deleting such messages instead of clicking on the link or calling the phone number provided.
Additionally, the authorities note that such messages should not be forwarded.