An email is circulating on social media and online, in which it is claimed that it has been sent by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). It is asking people to donate money under ‘Donation Program 2026’ to pay credit fees or get compensation if they win the lottery. The fact check team of Press Information Bureau (PIB) in a social media post on X (earlier Twitter) said that this message is fake and RBI is not running any such scheme. According to PIB Fact Check, this email is part of a phishing attempt aimed at deceiving people and stealing money or sensitive financial information.
SCAM ALERT!
An email is circulating online falsely claiming to be issued by the Reserve Bank of India and allegedly asking people to pay a ‘crediting fee’ under a Donation Program 2026 / compensation payment for winning lottery scheme/ inheritance fund, etc. pic.twitter.com/hC37SCUyub
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) May 26, 2026
PIB Fact Check issued warning
In its post on The government has also warned people not to trust such emails or messages that promise huge amounts of money in exchange for paying money or processing charges in advance.
In a social media post on
This information is being sought in fake emails
- bank account name
- bank account number
- IFSC/SWIFT Code
- full name
- Address
- mobile number
- WhatsApp number
- Copy of ID proof
Cyber fraudsters often try to make the scam appear genuine by using the names of trusted institutions like RBI or government departments.
How to report suspicious online messages
PIB Fact Check team has asked citizens to report suspicious content related to the Central Government through:
WhatsApp: +91 8799711259
Email: [email protected]
What should people do when they receive suspicious messages?
Citizens have been advised to avoid clicking on suspicious links, never share banking information, passwords, OTPs or personal information, ignore emails or messages asking for money in advance, verify information only through official government or RBI channels. And with online financial frauds on the rise, experts say people should be cautious about unsolicited emails and messages promising lottery wins, donations, compensation or easy money.
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