BISP Beneficiaries Warned About Scams – September 2025 Safety Tips

The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) is one of Pakistan’s most important welfare programs. It gives financial help to poor families, widows, and disabled people so they can manage rising living costs. For many, this money means food on the table and survival.

But every time BISP releases payments, especially in busy months like September, scammers try to trick people. They send fake messages, make false calls, and create misleading websites. Their goal is to steal money or personal information from innocent families.

Common Tricks Used by Scammers

1. Fake SMS Messages

The most common scam is fake text messages. They often look real but come from random numbers. Messages may say:

• “Your payment is ready. Pay Rs. 500 for quick release.”

• “Click this link to confirm your CNIC.”

• “Congratulations, you have extra funds.”

Remember: BISP only sends messages from 8171.

2. Fraudulent Phone Calls

Scammers call people pretending to be BISP officers. They use fear to force action, for example:

• “Your payment will be blocked unless you pay a fee.”

• “Share your CNIC now or your money will be delayed.”

These calls are fake. BISP never asks for money.

3. Fake Websites and Social Media Pages

Fraudsters create websites that look like the official BISP site. They ask for CNIC numbers, phone numbers, or registration fees. Some even run fake Facebook pages and WhatsApp groups promising “fast-track payments.”

4. Biometric and SIM Card Fraud

Some scammers set up fake biometric machines to steal fingerprints. Others ask for SIM cards linked to CNICs, claiming it will speed up payments. Both methods are dangerous and lead to fraud.

Why Do People Fall for Scams?

• Lack of Awareness – Many people don’t know the official rules.

• Fear and Urgency – People panic when they hear about blocked payments.

• Trust in Authority – Scammers act like officials, and people believe them.

Real-Life Victims

• In Punjab, a widow lost Rs. 1,000 after replying to a fake SMS.

• In Sindh, families gave CNIC details over the phone, later misused for SIM fraud.

• In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, women scanned fingerprints on fake devices and lost their payments.

How to Stay Safe

Here are some simple safety rules:

• Trust only 8171 for SMS.

• Never pay any fees. Payments are free.

• Use only official BISP offices or websites.

• Do not share CNIC, SIM, or fingerprints with strangers.

• Call the BISP helpline 0800-26477 if unsure.

• Report scams to local BISP offices.

What BISP is Doing

BISP is working with law enforcement to:

• Block fake numbers and messages.

• Shut down fake websites and social media pages.

• Run awareness campaigns on TV, radio, and villages.

• Open complaint desks in district offices.

Quick Safety Checklist for September Payments

✅ Check that SMS comes only from 8171
❌ Don’t trust random numbers

✅ Visit official BISP centers
❌ Don’t use fake websites or groups

✅ Keep your CNIC and SIM safe
❌ Don’t hand them to strangers

✅ Call 0800-26477 if unsure
❌ Don’t pay any “release” or “processing” fees

✅ Report scams immediately
❌ Don’t stay silent if you see fraud

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