2026-05-15 08:32:09Updated 2026-08-17 07:25:39.942748— min read315 views
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Beware of fake Annapurna Bhandar websites 2026 - spot scam portals, verify official WB govt links & protect yourself from OTP fraud step-by-step.
Fraud Alert: Fake Annapurna Bhandar portals are increasingly using cloned government-style layouts to steal Aadhaar numbers and OTPs. Users should never pay registration fees or share banking credentials on unofficial websites.
⚠ August 2026 Update
The real portal is socialsecurity.wb.gov.in (applications, status, migration) with ration-card e-KYC on wbfood.in - both end in .gov.in, both free. The scheme has been live since June 1, 2026 with three payment cycles completed (June, July, August), and the fresh-application window closes August 25, 2026. Scam activity has shifted from fake registration forms to fake "re-verification" links claiming a pending ₹3,000 credit needs your OTP or a small "processing fee" - the government never asks for either. If a site or WhatsApp message asks for your OTP, bank PIN, or any payment to receive your instalment, it is fraud: report it at cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930 immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
The only official Annapurna Bhandar website is operated by your state’s Food and Civil Supplies Department. Any other website claiming to offer Annapurna Bhandar registration, cards, or benefits is fraudulent. Always verify the URL ends in .gov.in.
Fake Annapurna Bhandar websites charge registration fees, request Aadhaar and bank account OTPs, or promise guaranteed benefits within 24 hours. The genuine scheme is completely free and never requires OTP sharing with third parties.
If you have already submitted personal or financial details on a suspected fake website, contact your bank immediately to freeze your account, file a cybercrime complaint at cybercrime.gov.in or call the national cybercrime helpline 1930.
Only visit the official state government food department portal (URL must end in .gov.in or .nic.in) or physically visit the nearest government fair price shop, Tehsil office, or Common Service Centre (CSC) for genuine registration.
No. The Annapurna Bhandar Scheme does not have any official social media pages for registration or application. All registrations happen only through official government portals or designated physical offices.
Fraudsters use URLs that closely mimic official sites (e.g., annapurnabhandar.com instead of the .gov.in URL), use Google Ads to appear at the top of search results, and promise fast-track registration for a fee.
Report it to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in, call 1930 (national cyber helpline), or file a complaint at your nearest police station. Include the fake website URL and any screenshots as evidence.
Written by
SK Jabedul Haque
Founder & Chief Editor
Building India's most trusted finance education platform — simplifying news, schemes and market trends so anyone can understand and invest confidently.
