The number 7181 has recently caused confusion among thousands of Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) beneficiaries. Many people receive SMS updates from this number, and because it looks similar to the official 8171 code, they assume it is genuine.
Unfortunately, this misunderstanding has opened the door to scams, fraud attempts, and data theft. This article explains the truth behind 7181, how scammers use it, and how you can verify whether a BISP message is real or fake.
What Is the 7181 Number in BISP?
The appearance of 7181 has created the illusion that it may be linked to the Benazir Income Support Program. But in reality, 7181 has no connection to BISP. The Government of Pakistan uses only 8171 for official notifications related to eligibility, payment release, and surveys.
You can also read: BISP 8171 Balance Check Online by CNIC 2025
Many messages sent from 7181 are generated by private marketing systems or fraudulent agents who target poor families. This makes it extremely important to confirm the authenticity of every SMS you receive.
Key Points
- 7181 is not an official BISP helpline.
- 8171 is the only government-approved BISP SMS code.
- Any message from 7181 should be treated with caution.
Is 7181 Real or Fake? Here’s the Truth
People often ask whether 7181 is a real BISP number. The answer is simple:
7181 is fake. 8171 is official.
Messages from 7181 commonly come from:
- Private SMS promotion companies
- Fake agents collecting personal data
- Scammers pretending to be BISP
- Automated systems used by fraud networks
These senders exploit people’s trust by imitating 8171 and offering fake updates or payment alerts.
Why Are People Receiving SMS From 7181?
Although 7181 is not official, many people still receive messages from it. Scammers know that low-income families rely heavily on BISP cash support, so they use similar numbers to build trust.
Most 7181 messages fall into the following categories:
- Fake payment announcements
- Survey or verification requests
- CNIC collection attempts
- Links to malicious websites
- False promises of account activation
These tactics aim to steal your personal information or money.
Common Examples of Fake 7181 Messages
Beneficiaries from different provinces report receiving suspicious messages such as:
- “Aap ki BISP payment release ho gai hai. CNIC bhejein.”
- “Survey update karne ke liye link par click karein.”
- “App shortlist ho gaye hain. Account unlock fee jama karain.”
All of these are fraudulent.
BISP never asks for money, fees, or CNIC details through SMS.
How to Verify if Your BISP SMS Is Genuine
Before trusting any message, you should go through a quick verification checklist. This helps prevent scams and ensures your information stays safe.
Verification Checklist
- Check the sender number. Only 8171 is official.
- Do not trust any link sent via SMS.
- Confirm your status on the 8171 Web Portal.
- Avoid replying to unknown numbers.
- Visit your nearest BISP Tehsil Office for confirmation.
If your message is not from 8171, assume it is fake until verified.
Official and Unofficial BISP Numbers – Quick Comparison
Below is a helpful table to show which services are legitimate:
| Service Type | Official Number/Platform | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility Messages | 8171 | ✔ Official |
| Payment Updates | 8171 | ✔ Official |
| Survey Reminders | 8171 | ✔ Official |
| SMS From 7181 | 7181 | ✖ Fake |
| Verification Links via SMS | Any link sent by SMS | ✖ Not Allowed |
| Tehsil Office Support | BISP Offices | ✔ Official |
This table makes it clear that only 8171 and official BISP centers should be trusted.
How to Safely Check Your BISP Eligibility
To confirm your eligibility, you don’t need any private agents or paid services. The safest and only government-approved method is through the official web portal.
How to Check Eligibility
- Open any mobile browser.
- Search for the 8171 Web Portal.
- Enter your CNIC number.
- Complete the captcha code.
- View your updated BISP status instantly.
This method is completely free and secure.
You can also read: Important Information for BISP Eligible Women
Why Scammers Use 7181 to Target Beneficiaries
Scammers understand that BISP beneficiaries urgently depend on monthly payments. By sending fake messages from numbers like 7181, they try to extract information such as:
- CNIC numbers
- Family data
- Home addresses
- Bank details
- SIM registration information
They may even request small “fees” for account activation, which results in financial loss for poor families.
What To Do If You Receive a Message From 7181
If you receive any SMS from 7181, treat it as suspicious immediately.
Take These Steps
- Do not reply to the message.
- Do not share your CNIC or family details.
- Do not click on any links.
- Do not call back any mobile numbers mentioned.
- Report the message to a BISP Tehsil Office.
Ignoring scammers protects you from fraud and identity theft.
How to Protect Yourself From BISP-Related Scams
Fraud prevention is important because scammers constantly look for new ways to trick beneficiaries. You can stay safe by following a few simple rules.
Safety Tips
- Trust only 8171 for BISP updates.
- Never pay any fee for registration or survey.
- Avoid private agents and middlemen.
- Visit official BISP centers for all services.
- Never share fingerprints outside Tehsil Offices.
All BISP services are free, and no one has the right to charge you for them.
Conclusion
The number 7181 is not associated with the Benazir Income Support Programme, and any message from it should be considered suspicious. The only authentic and government-approved number for BISP communication is 8171.
You can also read: PSER Survey Punjab 2025 Complete Online Registration
To protect your personal information and avoid fraud, always verify messages directly through the official portal or your nearest BISP Tehsil Office. Staying alert and informed is the best way to ensure that you receive your rightful BISP assistance without falling victim to scams.