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EPFO Warns Against Taking Help From Agents For Online Services
- The Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) warns its members against using third-party agents and encourages them to use the free online services available on the EPFO portal and UMANG app.
- Concerns arise due to some cyber cafes and fintech companies charging for EPFO services that are actually free, potentially exposing members to unnecessary costs and data risks.
- EPFO urges stakeholders not to engage with unauthorized third-party entities for EPFO-related services to safeguard financial data.
- EPFO operates a robust grievance monitoring system and resolves complaints on platforms like CPGRAMS and EPFiGMS in a timely manner.
- In the previous financial year, EPFO received over 16 lakh grievances through EPFiGMS and resolved 98% of them within set timelines.
- All EPFO services, including claim filing, fund transfers, KYC updates, and grievance redressal, are free, and members are encouraged to avoid paying third-party agents for these services.
- Members can contact EPFO helpdesks/PROs for assistance and access the EPFO and UMANG portals for online services.
- EPFO has introduced measures for simplification processes like KYC updates, claim submissions, auto settlement of claims up to Rs 1 lakh, and pension disbursements.
- Auto claim settlements for advances on various grounds have increased to Rs 1 lakh, with 2.34 crore claims settled in auto mode in the last financial year.
- The transfer claim process has been simplified by removing the need for employer approvals in most cases since January 2025.
- Requirements such as uploading cheque leaf images for claims settlement and employer approval for bank account details seeding with UAN have been eliminated to expedite processes.
- EPFO advises against taking help from third-party agents and suggests utilizing official channels for all EPFO-related services.
- The EPFO circulars emphasize on simplifying processes and improving member experience while highlighting the availability of free EPFO services.
- Members are encouraged to stay updated with official EPFO communications regarding processes and services to avoid unnecessary costs.
- The EPFO warns against risking financial data and incurring extra expenses by engaging with unauthorized third-party agents for provident fund services.
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