In August 2025, thousands of Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) beneficiaries are receiving fake calls pretending to be from the 8171 web portal or government representatives. These calls claim that the recipient has been selected for a new Rs. 13,500 payment, and then ask for personal information like CNIC numbers, bank details, or biometric codes.
This article offers a detailed and authentic guide to recognize these frauds, protect your information, and report such incidents.
What is the 8171 Payment Scam?
The 8171 payment scam is a growing cyber fraud where criminals pretend to be officials from the BISP 8171 system. They usually call or message individuals claiming:
- “آپ کی 8171 رقم منظور ہو گئی ہے”
- “ابھی اپنے CNIC کی تصدیق کروائیں ورنہ رقم منسوخ ہو جائے گی”
Once you believe them, they ask for sensitive data or even demand mobile balance or transaction codes via Easypaisa/JazzCash.
How the Scammers Operate
These fraudsters use different tactics such as:
- Using WhatsApp or regular phone numbers pretending to be government helplines
- Sending fake SMS messages that look similar to real 8171 updates
- Requesting you to call back for further “verification”
- Asking you to share your thumbprint details or go to biometric verification on urgent basis
Remember, 8171 only sends messages via SMS from the official shortcode 8171. No one from the government will ever call asking for personal details.
Signs That a Call is a Scam
Here are red flags you should immediately recognize:
- Caller says you’ve won extra BISP payment or a lottery
- They ask for your CNIC number, address, thumbprint code, or mobile wallet PIN
- You’re told to visit an unknown office or send balance via mobile wallet
- Calls come from non-official numbers (not 8171 or 0800 helplines)
Real 8171 Communication vs. Fake Calls
| Feature | Official 8171 Communication | Scam Call/Fake Message |
|---|---|---|
| Source Number | Only from 8171 | Mobile numbers (e.g., 03xx, 0345, etc.) |
| Request for CNIC | Never asks over call | Asks for full CNIC and family data |
| Payment Confirmation | Via official web portal | Via unknown calls or messages |
| Biometric Verification | Only at registered centers | Through fake instructions or agents |
What to Do If You Receive a Fake 8171 Call?
If you receive a suspicious call, follow these steps:
Step-by-Step Response
- Do NOT share your CNIC, PIN, or thumbprint data
- Hang up immediately
- Take a screenshot or note the phone number
- Report the number to PTA or local cybercrime cell
- Inform your local BISP center or use the official BISP helpline (0800-26477)
How to Stay Safe in 2025
With rising digital frauds, especially targeting low-income families, here’s how you can protect yourself:
- Only trust messages from 8171 and cross-check payment on 8171.bisp.gov.pk
- Avoid answering unknown numbers claiming to be from the government
- Never click on links sent via SMS or WhatsApp related to BISP
- Educate family members, especially elderly or women, about these scams
Government Action and Helplines
The Government of Pakistan and BISP authorities are actively working to curb this issue. If you are a victim or suspect fraud, you can:
- Call the BISP helpline: 0800-26477
- Contact FIA Cyber Crime Wing via their complaint portal
- Visit your nearest BISP office for physical verification
- Register complaints on PTA’s spam complaint service (8899)
Important: You will never lose your 8171 payment for not picking up a call. Only official communication counts.
Final Thoughts – Stay Alert, Stay Protected
The 8171 fake phone call scam is a serious threat, especially in August 2025 when new payments of Rs. 13,500 are being disbursed. These scammers are targeting vulnerable citizens hoping to steal money and personal data.
Spread awareness in your area and always verify everything through official channels. Your BISP 8171 eligibility, status, and payments can be checked only through official means, not random calls or WhatsApp messages.
Stay safe, alert, and informed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I identify a fake 8171 call?
If the call comes from a mobile number and asks for your CNIC, bank info, or money transfer, it is fake. Official messages come only from 8171.
Can I lose my payment if I ignore such a call?
No, BISP never cancels your payment based on phone call response. Only your eligibility affects payment.
Where can I report these scam calls?
You can report them to PTA via 8899, BISP helpline (0800-26477), or FIA Cyber Crime Wing.
What if I shared my CNIC by mistake?
Immediately contact your nearest BISP office and report it. Also inform your mobile wallet company.
Is it safe to respond to SMS from 8171?
Yes, but only if the message comes from the official shortcode “8171.” Do not respond to WhatsApp or SMS from unknown numbers.