Confused About Rejected PF Transfer? Should I Visit My Local EPFO Office or My Old Employer's?

I tried to transfer my previous employer's PF account to my current employer, but it was rejected by the field office with the following remark:

"Your Claim [Claim Id - XXXXXX] has been rejected due to: 1) EPS CONTRIBUTIONS NOT REMITTED PLEASE CLEARLY 2) CLAIM ALREADY SETTLED"

Should I visit my nearest EPFO office for the above issue, or do I need to visit the office where my previous employer has an account?

If, at the time of joining your first company, your salary was above Rs 15,000, then no contribution could have been paid into EPS (Pension Scheme). This rejection might occur. You can visit any office of the EPFO because of online facilities, but the employees in the EPFO (though they are supposed to help people like you, they may never assist you!) might direct you to approach the specific office where your accounts are maintained. Therefore, please go and provide whatever explanation you want to submit to the office where your previous employer has their PF accounts.