RBI Fact Check: Viral ₹1 Lakh Payment Letter Is Fake, Here’s the Truth
RBI Fact Check: Viral ₹1 Lakh Payment Letter Is Fake, Here's the Truth
19 July, 2026: A fraudulent letter circulating on social media in the name of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is misleading people with claims that they can receive ₹1 lakh after paying ₹7,500 as a refundable tax. The Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) Fact Check unit has confirmed that the message is completely fake and has urged people not to fall for the scam.
The fake letter claims that a payment of ₹1 lakh has been approved for the recipient but cannot be credited due to a failed transaction. It then asks the recipient to deposit ₹7,500 as a refundable tax, assuring them that ₹1,06,500 will be transferred to their bank account within 10 minutes after the payment. To appear genuine, the message also includes bank account details and creates a sense of urgency to convince victims to transfer the money quickly.
PIB Fact Check has clarified that the RBI never asks individuals to pay taxes, processing fees, or any other charges to receive money. The agency said the viral letter is fabricated and warned the public not to trust such messages, emails, or letters claiming to be from the central bank.
The RBI has repeatedly stated that it does not send messages or emails asking people to deposit money in exchange for lottery winnings, refunds, prizes, or other financial benefits. Citizens have been advised not to transfer money to unknown accounts, avoid clicking suspicious links, and verify any financial communication through official government or RBI sources.
Authorities have also urged people to remain cautious while sharing personal or banking information online. Anyone who receives such a message or suspects an attempted fraud should report it immediately through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or at the nearest police station to help prevent further scams.
