The National Pension Commission has raised the alarm over a surge in fraudulent activities targeting retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme, warning the public to be vigilant against scammers posing as commission staff.
PenCom said criminal elements have developed new tactics aimed at deceiving unsuspecting retirees by offering to fast-track pension payments in exchange for money. According to the commission, the fraudsters typically contact retirees through phone calls or messages, introduce themselves as PenCom officials and request that money be paid into personal bank accounts.
The commission described such claims as false and dangerous, stressing that no PenCom staff member is authorised to demand or receive payment from retirees for any service. It explained that all legitimate pension payments are processed strictly through Pension Fund Administrators and paid directly into retirees’ Retirement Savings Accounts.
In a statement titled “Beware of Scammers!”, PenCom said fraudsters posing as its staff often ask for gratification to facilitate pension payments, a practice it said does not exist within the commission. It reiterated that all payments due to retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme are handled only by Pension Fund Administrators and credited directly to individual RSAs.
PenCom advised retirees and the general public to remain cautious and to seek clarification directly from the commission whenever they are in doubt, warning that anyone requesting money to process pension payments is a scammer.
