You can be scammed under the pretext of giving you free LED bulbs. Such cases have occurred before, and now once again, innocent people are being duped. It is reported that a significant fraud is currently taking place against people in rural areas. Four to five people come to your home and claim they are receiving free LED bulbs under a government scheme, or sometimes they ask for a small amount, such as ten rupees or more. Those who trust them are at increased risk of fraud.
The fraudster demands people’s Aadhaar card in the name of giving them free LED bulbs. As soon as the person provides their Aadhaar card, they are asked to share the OTP received on their mobile phone. After providing the OTP, the accused obtains a loan through the Aadhaar Card Payment Enabled System (AePS) and then absconds with the loan amount approved in your name.
To avoid fraud in the name of free LED bulbs,
Do not share your Aadhaar card with anyone who asks for your Aadhaar OTP in exchange for something free or for a small amount. Before giving your Aadhaar card to that person, ensure that the person is an authoritative person, such as a government employee or bank employee. If you must provide your Aadhaar card, provide a masked Aadhaar card. This will prevent any fraud using the Aadhaar card. A masked Aadhaar card is generated online. If anyone is subjected to any financial fraud, immediately call 1930 and report it to the police.
Cases of requests for Aadhaar card details and the OTP received in exchange for free LED bulbs have been reported before. Innocent people fall prey to the fraud and share their confidential information in the hope of getting a cheap bulb. The government has already issued a warning against such frauds. Remember that your bank account number is linked to your Aadhaar card. In such a situation, even a little carelessness can make you a victim of fraud.