BISP & Ehsaas Scams in Pakistan: How to Spot Fake Benazir Income Support Messages
The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) supports millions of low-income families in Pakistan, which makes it a favourite disguise for fraudsters. Scam SMS and WhatsApp messages claim 'your Rs 10,500 / Rs 25,000 BISP payment has arrived' and tell you to call a mobile number, send your CNIC, or pay a 'registration' or 'processing' fee through JazzCash or Easypaisa. Many targets are elderly or less familiar with phones, and scammers often call pretending to be BISP officers or even Army or government officials. The real BISP does not charge fees and sends its messages only from the official 8171 shortcode.
Real Scam Message Examples
These are real examples of messages used in this type of scam. If you receive something similar, do not click any links.
Example 1
“Mubarak ho! Aap ke BISP account mein Rs 25,000 ki raqam jari ho gayi hai. Raqam wasool karne ke liye is number par rabta karein: 0301-XXXXXXX. Benazir Income Support Programme”
Example 2
“BISP 8171: Your Kafaalat payment of Rs 10,500 is pending. Pay Rs 1,500 registration fee via Easypaisa to 0345-XXXXXXX within 24 hours to receive your amount.”
Example 3
“Aap ka naam Ehsaas program mein shamil kar liya gaya hai. Apna CNIC number aur SMS mein aane wala code bhejein taake aap ki raqam aap ke JazzCash account mein bhej di jaye.”
Warning Signs of a Fake BISP Message
- ⚠The SMS comes from a normal mobile number (e.g. 03xx-xxxxxxx) instead of the official 8171 shortcode
- ⚠It says you've 'won' or 'received' BISP, Ehsaas or Kafaalat money and asks you to call or WhatsApp a number
- ⚠You're asked to pay a fee, send mobile balance, or transfer money via JazzCash/Easypaisa to 'release' the payment
- ⚠The caller asks for your CNIC number, a verification code or your mobile wallet PIN
- ⚠A link to a website that isn't on bisp.gov.pk asks you to 'check eligibility' or register
How Does This Scam Work?
- 1You receive an SMS or call saying BISP, Ehsaas or Kafaalat money has been approved for you
- 2The message tells you to call or WhatsApp a private mobile number to 'collect' the payment
- 3The fake officer asks for a small 'registration', 'tax' or 'processing' fee via JazzCash, Easypaisa or mobile top-up
- 4They may also ask for your CNIC and the code sent to your phone, which lets them take over your mobile wallet or SIM
- 5After payment the promised money never arrives, and the scammer asks for more fees or stops answering
Legitimate vs Scam: How to Tell the Difference
| Aspect | ✓ Legitimate | ✗ Scam |
|---|---|---|
| Sender | Official SMS only from the 8171 shortcode | Ordinary mobile number such as 0301-xxxxxxx or 0345-xxxxxxx |
| Fees | BISP never charges any fee for registration or payment | Asks for a registration, tax or processing fee |
| Checking eligibility | Send CNIC to 8171 or use the official portal 8171.bisp.gov.pk | Asks you to call a private number or click an unofficial link |
| Collecting money | Paid through designated banks, retailers and BISP campsites with biometric verification | 'Money will be sent to your wallet once you share your code' |
What Should You Do?
- ✓Check your status only by sending your CNIC to 8171 or using the official portal at 8171.bisp.gov.pk
- ✓Never pay any fee or share your CNIC, wallet PIN or SMS code with a caller
- ✓Forward the scam SMS and the sender's number to PTA on 9915, and file a complaint on the PTA complaint portal
- ✓Report fraud or money lost to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (formerly the FIA Cyber Crime Wing) through its online complaint portal
- ✓Paste the suspicious message into ScamCheck for an instant verdict
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Check it now — it's free →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official BISP number?
BISP's official SMS shortcode is 8171. Genuine messages come from 8171, and you can check eligibility by sending your CNIC number to 8171 or on 8171.bisp.gov.pk. Any message from a regular mobile number claiming to be BISP is fake.
Does BISP ask for a registration fee?
No. BISP registration and payments are completely free. Anyone asking you to pay a fee, send balance, or transfer money to receive BISP funds is a fraudster.
Someone called me as a BISP officer and asked for a code. What should I do?
Don't share it. That code usually lets the caller take over your JazzCash or Easypaisa account or your SIM. If you already shared it, call your wallet provider immediately to block the account and report the number to PTA.
How do I report a fake BISP SMS?
Forward the SMS and sender number to 9915 (PTA's SMS complaint service). For money lost, lodge a cybercrime complaint with the national cybercrime agency and inform your mobile wallet provider.
Is the Ehsaas programme still running?
Ehsaas cash payments were brought under the Benazir Income Support Programme. Scammers still use both names, so check any claim through 8171 rather than trusting a message.
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