Important Advisory for Ex-Servicemen and Family Pensioners Receiving Defence Pension
A serious advisory has been issued for defence pensioners, family pensioners, and SPARSH users following reports of misleading information being circulated on social media regarding unofficial WhatsApp services and fake contact numbers purportedly associated with SPARSH and the Office of the Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pensions) [PCDA(P)], Prayagraj.
The latest clarification from the authorities highlights the growing risk of data theft, identity fraud, and financial scams targeting pensioners through unauthorized communication channels.
This article explains the official position of PCDA (P), identifies potential fraud indicators, and provides safety guidelines for all defence pensioners.
Official Clarification: No WhatsApp Service Operated by PCDA (P) or SPARSH
According to the official communication issued by PCDA (P), Prayagraj, the department has categorically clarified that:
- No official WhatsApp group is operated by PCDA (P).
- No WhatsApp-based support service exists for SPARSH-related issues.
- No pension-related information is disseminated through WhatsApp by the office.
- Pensioners should not trust social media posts claiming to provide official SPARSH assistance through WhatsApp.
The department has expressed concern that several unauthorized contact numbers are being widely shared on various social media platforms while falsely claiming to represent SPARSH or PCDA (P).
Personal Verification Reveals Suspicious Activity
During independent verification of some of these widely circulated numbers, several alarming observations emerged:
- Individuals answering the calls refused to disclose their identity.
- When detailed questions were asked regarding their authority and affiliation with SPARSH, they avoided providing clear answers.
- In some cases, the callers abruptly disconnected the call.
- Certain numbers subsequently blocked further communication.
Such behaviour strongly indicates that these contacts may be operating as data collectors with the intention of gathering sensitive information from unsuspecting pensioners.
While the exact motive cannot be conclusively established, pensioners must exercise extreme caution and avoid sharing any personal information through such channels.
Why Defence Pensioners Are Being Targeted
Defence pensioners possess several valuable personal records that fraudsters may attempt to obtain, including:
- PPO Number
- SPARSH Login Credentials
- Aadhaar Number
- PAN Number
- Mobile Number
- Date of Birth
- Bank Account Details
- IFSC Code
- Pension Amount Details
- OTPs received on mobile phones
Once collected, such information can potentially be misused for:
- Identity theft
- Unauthorized account access
- Pension fraud
- Financial scams
- Phishing attacks
- Social engineering frauds
Official Communication Channels of PCDA (P)
To protect pensioners from fraud, PCDA (P) has specified the only authorized communication channels.
Official Outgoing Call Number
If PCDA (P) contacts a pensioner, the call will originate only from:
0532-2800154
If you receive a call claiming to be from PCDA (P) from any other number, verify its authenticity before sharing any information.
Official Toll-Free Helpline
For all SPARSH and pension-related issues:
1800 180 5325
Official Email Address
Warning Signs of a Potential Scam
Pensioners should immediately become suspicious if:
1. The Caller Demands Personal Information
No legitimate authority will ask for:
- Passwords
- OTPs
- Bank PINs
- Debit Card Details
- Net Banking Credentials
2. The Caller Uses WhatsApp for Official Assistance
PCDA (P) has clearly stated that no official WhatsApp service exists.
3. The Caller Pressurizes You
Fraudsters often create urgency by claiming:
- Pension will stop.
- SPARSH account will be blocked.
- Verification is mandatory immediately.
- PPO needs urgent updating.
4. Identity Is Not Disclosed
Genuine officials will properly identify themselves and explain the purpose of the communication.
What Should You Do If You Receive Such Calls?
Follow these steps immediately:
Step 1: Do Not Share Any Information
Never disclose:
- PPO Number
- Aadhaar Number
- Bank Details
- SPARSH Password
- OTPs
Step 2: Disconnect the Call
Politely end the conversation if you are uncertain about the caller’s authenticity.
Step 3: Verify Through Official Helpline
Call:
1800 180 5325
and confirm whether any action is genuinely required.
Step 4: Report Suspicious Numbers
Report the incident to:
and provide:
- Mobile Number
- Screenshots (if applicable)
- Call Details
- WhatsApp Profile Information
What If You Have Already Shared Information?
If you have mistakenly shared personal information with an unauthorized WhatsApp number or caller:
Immediately
✔ Change your SPARSH password.
✔ Inform your bank if financial details were shared.
✔ Monitor pension account activities.
✔ Block and report the WhatsApp number.
✔ Report the incident to the National Cyber Crime Portal.
✔ Inform PCDA (P) through official channels.
Taking immediate action can significantly reduce the risk of misuse.
Golden Rules for SPARSH Users
Always remember:
✅ Use only official SPARSH portals.
✅ Verify every call through official helplines.
✅ Keep your SPARSH credentials confidential.
✅ Never trust pension-related messages received through unknown WhatsApp numbers.
✅ Confirm any pension-related communication through official sources before acting.
Conclusion
The latest advisory from PCDA (P), Prayagraj serves as an important reminder that cyber fraudsters are increasingly targeting defence pensioners and family pensioners by exploiting their trust in pension-related services. Since PCDA (P) and SPARSH do not operate any WhatsApp-based support service, pensioners should ignore and report any such claims immediately. Protecting personal information remains the first line of defence against fraud. Whenever in doubt, contact the official helpline or email provided by the authorities and rely only on verified communication channels.
Disclaimer
This article is based on the official advisory issued by PCDA (P), Prayagraj and independent verification of certain numbers circulating on social media. Pensioners are advised to verify all pension-related information through official government channels before taking any action.