Hyderabad, October 2, 2025 — India’s insurance regulator, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), has issued a public warning about a fraudulent website masquerading as its official consumer education portal. The fake website, https://policyholdergov.org, attempts to collect online premium payments and personal information from policyholders.
The regulator clarified that the site is misusing the logos and emblems of IRDAI, the Department of Financial Services, india.gov.in, and the Council of Insurance Ombudsman to appear legitimate.
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“IRDAI’s official website exists solely to provide policyholders with authentic information about insurance awareness, their rights, and grievance redressal options. It does not collect premiums or facilitate any financial transactions,” said an IRDAI spokesperson.
Technical Background of the Fraud
- Cybersecurity analysts note that the fake site is deliberately designed to mimic official government portals. Key features of the fraudulent website include:
- Unauthorized use of government logos and emblems
- Attempts to induce policyholders to make online premium payments
- Hidden mechanisms to steal personal and financial information
Public Advisory
IRDAI has urged the public to:
1. Avoid logging into the fraudulent website.
2. Refrain from sharing any personal or financial information.
3. Rely exclusively on the official portal https://policyholder.gov.in for accurate information.
The case has been escalated to relevant government and cybersecurity authorities for immediate action, and legal proceedings will follow.
Legal and Cybersecurity Implications
Professor Triveni Singh, former IPS officer and cybercrime expert, commented on the risk posed by such fraudulent websites:
“These websites do more than commit financial fraud—they compromise citizens’ personal data, potentially laying the groundwork for larger cybercrimes in the future. Awareness and prompt reporting are critical security measures. IRDAI’s timely alert underscores the importance of regulatory vigilance.”
IRDAI reiterated that all claims and premium payments occur directly between policyholders and insurance companies, not through its website. Engaging in transactions on the fake portal constitutes a violation of Indian cyber laws and financial fraud regulations. Legal action will be taken against the perpetrators once the investigation is complete.
“Stay vigilant, trust only official portals, and report any suspicious activity immediately to authorities,” IRDAI advised.
