In today’s digital age, online scams have become increasingly sophisticated, often targeting unsuspecting individuals under the guise of trusted institutions. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), the official body responsible for regulating the insurance industry in India, has recently issued an urgent public notice warning citizens about a fraudulent website that is misusing its name and branding.
What Has Happened?
IRDAI has discovered that a fraudulent website is pretending to be its official Consumer Education Website. The genuine IRDAI website can be accessed at:
👉 https://policyholder.gov.in
However, a fake site using a similar-looking URL –
👉 https://policyholdergov.org – is currently online and deceiving users.
This fake website is not authorized by IRDAI and has been found to misuse the official IRDAI emblem, along with the icons of other government institutions such as the Department of Financial Services, india.gov.in, and the Council of Insurance Ombudsman.
How Is the Fake Website Misleading People?
The fraudulent website is engaging in several unauthorized and illegal activities, including:
- Encouraging policyholders to make online premium payments through its platform.
- Attempting to collect personal and sensitive information from users.
- Misrepresenting itself as a legitimate platform for insurance-related services.
Such actions not only breach trust but also put individuals at serious risk of identity theft and financial fraud.
IRDAI’s Official Clarification
IRDAI has clearly stated that:
- It does not collect premium payments or offer any claim settlement services through its website.
- It does not conduct financial transactions of any kind on its consumer education portal.
- Its sole purpose is to provide authentic information related to insurance awareness, policyholder rights, and grievance redressal mechanisms.
In simple terms, IRDAI’s websites are there to educate and inform, not to transact.
What Should You Do?
IRDAI has escalated the matter to the concerned authorities for swift and appropriate action. In the meantime, the general public is strongly advised to:
- Avoid visiting or engaging with the fraudulent website.
- Use only the official IRDAI portals for any information:
- https://policyholder.gov.in
- https://irdai.gov.in
- Verify any link before clicking or making online transactions related to insurance.
Stay Alert, Stay Safe
Cybercriminals often exploit the trust that people have in official institutions. Always be cautious when accessing websites or responding to messages that ask for personal or financial information. If something feels suspicious, it probably is.
As responsible citizens, it is crucial to stay informed and spread awareness to prevent others from falling victim to such scams. Share this message with your friends and family to help protect them too.