Fraud in the name of the expatriate card: ministry warns against paying any money

Fraud in the name of the expatriate card has begun even before the card is launched. Dishonest individuals and broker circles are trying to extract money from Bangladeshi expatriates with promises of so-called pension benefits and quick delivery of the card. The Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment has warned expatriates about this.

The ministry said this in a press release on Thursday, November 12.

The release said some dishonest individuals and broker circles at home and abroad have recently been spreading false information among Bangladeshi expatriates in the name of the expatriate card. In particular, they are trying to collect money by luring people with so-called pension benefits and promises of quick card delivery. The ministry has urged everyone to stay alert to such fraudulent activity.

The ministry said the expatriate card has not yet been officially launched, and the process of accepting applications for the card has not begun either. Any demand for money in the name of issuing the card must therefore be treated as fraud.

According to the release, the expatriate card is an important initiative for expatriates' welfare in the current government's election manifesto and priority work plan. Preparations to launch the card are already at the final stage. However, no official announcement has yet been made about its application procedure, eligibility or benefits.

The ministry said that once the expatriate card is launched, detailed information about the application procedure, eligibility and benefits will be published through government mass media, the ministry's website and official government social media.

The release specially requested expatriates not to give money to any person, institution or middleman in the name of the expatriate card.

Anyone who falls victim to such fraud, or who has information about it, has been asked to inform the nearest law enforcement agency or the relevant government authority. The ministry has called for awareness to protect expatriates' hard-earned money and interests, and for cooperation in preventing fraud.

If needed, contact can be made with the ministry's deputy secretary Md Jasim Uddin on 01712-870968 or by email at [email protected]. Contact has also been requested with the minister's assistant private secretary Md Mahbubul Islam on 01331-116600.