Have you also received a message in the name of the RBI? Be alert—otherwise, your account could be drained..

An email is currently circulating across social media and online platforms, claiming to have been sent by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). It requests individuals to pay a 'credit fee' under a 'Donation Program 2026' or to remit funds in order to receive compensation for winning a lottery. The Fact Check team of the Press Information Bureau (PIB) stated in a social media post on X (formerly Twitter) that this message is fraudulent and that the RBI is not operating any such scheme. According to PIB Fact Check, this email constitutes an attempted phishing scam, designed to deceive people and steal their money or sensitive financial information.

**PIB Fact Check Issues Warning**

In its post on X, PIB Fact Check clarified that neither the RBI nor any government entity is currently running any such donation program, lottery compensation scheme, inheritance fund, or any related initiative. The government has also warned the public not to trust emails or messages that promise large sums of money in exchange for upfront payments or processing fees.

In a social media post on X, the PIB Fact Check team asserted that the Reserve Bank of India has neither issued such an email nor is it conducting any such donation program, lottery compensation scheme, or any other fund or initiative.

**Information Requested in the Fraudulent Email:**

Bank Account Name
Bank Account Number
IFSC/SWIFT Code
Full Name
Address
Mobile Number
WhatsApp Number
Copy of ID Proof

Cyber fraudsters frequently attempt to lend credibility to their scams by misappropriating the names of trusted institutions, such as the RBI or government departments. How to Report Suspicious Online Messages
The PIB Fact Check Team has urged citizens to report suspicious content related to the Central Government through the following channels:

WhatsApp: +91 8799711259

Email: factcheck@pib.gov.in

What People Should Do Upon Receiving Suspicious Messages

Citizens are advised to refrain from clicking on suspicious links, never share banking details, passwords, OTPs, or personal information, ignore emails or messages that solicit money in advance, and verify information solely through official government or RBI channels. Furthermore, given the rise in online financial fraud, experts suggest that people should remain vigilant regarding unsolicited emails and messages promising lottery winnings, donations, compensation, or easy money.

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