The Ministry of Finance has cautioned retirees receiving pensions directly from the Treasury to remain alert against fraudsters who are demanding money under the guise of verification or adjustment of pension benefits.
In a public notice issued in Dodoma yesterday, the ministry said it had recently received complaints from retirees who reported being approached through phone calls and online platforms by individuals claiming to be Treasury officials.
These individuals, it said, demanded money in exchange for pension verification or upgrading procedures.
According to the ministry, such claims are false and misleading. “There is no verification exercise or pension adjustment process being conducted for individual retirees by the Treasury. Pensioners are not required to make any payments for their benefits to be processed,” the notice stressed.
The ministry explained that it is responsible for paying pensions and gratuities to former government employees who retired under permanent and pensionable terms before June 30, 2004, and who were not members of social security funds. It assured pensioners that all entitlements are handled at no cost to the beneficiaries.
The government urged retirees not to fall victim to fraudsters, reminding them that any official communication on pensions comes directly from the ministry.
“No costs are incurred in processing pensions, and retirees must not give money to anyone requesting such payments,” the ministry emphasized.
Retirees were also advised to report any suspicious requests for money to the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) or the nearest police station.
For assistance, the ministry has provided an official helpline number, 0262160000, and encouraged pensioners to visit the nearest Treasury office or Ministry of Finance branch in Zanzibar for clarification.
The statement was released by the Government Communication Unit of the Ministry of Finance in Dodoma.