Is My PF Amount at Risk? Seeking Advice After Suspicious SMS Interaction

I received an SMS from someone saying that he would assist in getting PF amounts. As per his instruction, I sent him a message with my PF number and my name. It's been two days, and he is not attending the calls. Checking PF online is not working. The EPFIndia website is a mess, with no clear instructions. It's only saying 'invalid..' Now, please, can someone advise me if my PF amount has been stolen or not?

Your PF amount can't be withdrawn by others. If you have to withdraw the PF amount from your previous employer's account, you have to fill out Form 19 & 10C. Your previous employer has to approve it, and the PF office takes 2 to 3 months to process the withdrawal request. Hence, don't worry about your PF amount; it cannot be stolen. However, you can visit the PF head office in your city for reconfirmation.

Don't repeat the foolishness of sending account numbers or personal information to unknown people.

All the Best!

Thanks,
Shilpa

Have you given your company name and its Establishment Code to that stranger? Have you disclosed your father's name, mother's name, date of birth, date of joining (DOJ), and date of leaving service? Sometimes, they can have a direct link with the PF Office, and it will be equally shared by the cheat and the supporter from the PF Office. Even I have heard about such instances regarding the PF Office. So, be vigilant before disclosing your personal information.

Shilpa and boss, thank you for your inputs. As Shilpa said, it's my foolishness for disclosing the account number. But then it's hectic; my first and last employer opened my PF account in Bangalore whereas I am in Chennai. The Chennai PF office people are not willing to guide me, and the Bangalore people are not responding well by phone.

Online PF balance check is frustrating, as expected, since it's government work. Any idea on how to check the Bangalore PF account balance? My PF account starts with KN/BN. Any help will be useful.

P.S: I browsed many other threads here in CiteHR and other forums, but none are specific to my query. It would be better if you guys could help me particularly with the KN/BN account.

Please go through the [Right to Information Act (India)](http://www.rti.gov.in/) website and register yourself as a member in RTI. Kindly review all the RTI Rules specific to your state as mentioned in the [thread](https://www.citehr.com/337575-rti-rules.html). Subsequently, approach the relevant PF Authorities and request information regarding your PF and its current status in accordance with the RTI Rules. By making your inquiries in this manner, you may observe a change in the behavior of the PF staff.

All the best

Regards

Thank you very much for that. That's the link I have been trying to access for a long time. After entering the details, all I am getting is:

Status for Member ID: BG/BNG/1/0*

Invalid Member ID / Data not updated against this BG/BNG/1/0*

**Data updated till 30-06-2011 21:22:50**