Summary of this article
Fake emails impersonate RBI asking crediting fees for fraudulent schemes claims 2026.
PIB Fact Check flagged the message as phishing and completely fake email.
Do not click links verify official sources and report suspicious emails immediately.
Email scams continue to target users through messages that appear to come from trusted financial institutions or government bodies. In one such viral claim, an email falsely using the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) name allegedly asks recipients to pay a crediting fee under schemes such as Donation Program 2026, inheritance funds, and compensation payments.
PIB Cautions Against Fraudulent RBI Email Claim
The Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check unit has flagged the viral email as fake and warned users against engaging with such messages. PIB said, “This email is fake and a phishing attempt to trick people into losing their money.”
The fraudulent email falsely claims to be issued by the Reserve Bank of India and allegedly asks recipients to pay a crediting fee under schemes such as Donation Program 2026, compensation payment for lottery winnings, inheritance funds, and similar claims.
A crediting fee generally refers to an advance payment fraud where victims are asked to deposit money on the promise that a larger amount will later be credited to their account.
The agency clarified that the Reserve Bank of India has not issued any such communication and is not running any donation, compensation, inheritance, or lottery-related scheme.
Cyber frauds and phishing scams are increasingly using the names of government organisations, banks, and financial regulators to appear legitimate. Scammers often use unofficial email domains or display names related to the Reserve Bank of India or other government authorities to appear authentic. In many cases, fraudsters also use official-sounding titles to create pressure and intimidate recipients.
How to Stay Safe From Email Scams
The government has advised people not to click on suspicious links or share personal, banking or sensitive information through email, SMS or phone calls. Users have also been urged to verify such claims from official government websites or trusted communication channels before taking any action. Also, for reporting such suspicious messages related to the Central Government to PIB Fact Check via its official WhatsApp number and email ID.
