How to Verify a BC Agent Is Genuine Before Transacting

You are at a local shop or village kiosk and someone offers to help you transfer money, check your balance, or open a bank account on behalf of a bank. This person is a Business Correspondent (BC) agent — a bank-authorised representative who brings banking services to areas without physical branches.

Most BC agents are legitimate. But fraud happens. Before you hand over your Aadhaar card or your money, run through this checklist.

Why Verifying a BC Agent Matters

Banks authorise BC agents through formal agreements. A genuine agent has a valid identity card, works on registered devices, and follows strict transaction limits. Fake agents use stolen identities, unregistered devices, or social engineering to steal money and biometric data.

The consequences of transacting with a fake agent can include financial loss that is difficult to recover and biometric data compromise that can be used for identity fraud. A 30-second check before you transact is worth it.

The BC Agent Verification Checklist

1. Ask to see the BC agent's official identity card. Every legitimate BC agent carries a photo ID card issued by the bank they represent. The card should show their name, agent ID number, the issuing bank's name, and a validity date. Do not proceed if they cannot produce this.
2. Verify the agent ID on the bank's official platform. Most banks have a toll-free number or mobile app where you can verify a BC agent's registration by their agent ID. Call the bank's official customer care number (find it on the bank's official website, not from the agent) and confirm the agent is registered.
3. Check that the device being used is official. A registered BC agent uses a certified micro-ATM or business correspondent device — usually a handheld terminal with a bank's branding. Be suspicious of someone using a personal mobile phone or laptop to process your transaction without any official device.
4. Confirm the transaction is done in your presence. Never hand over your Aadhaar card, PIN, OTP, or biometric data and walk away. Legitimate BC transactions require your live fingerprint scan or OTP — done right in front of you on the registered device. You should see the transaction screen at every step.
5. Check the transaction receipt. A genuine BC transaction generates a receipt — either printed or digital — with a transaction reference number, amount, your partial account number, and the agent's ID. If no receipt is given, ask for one.
6. Never share your OTP with the agent. A BC agent processing a legitimate transaction does not need your OTP. If someone asks for your OTP or asks you to read it aloud to them, stop the transaction immediately. This is a red flag for fraud.
7. Verify the name of the bank the agent claims to represent. BC agents represent specific banks. If an agent claims to represent a bank but the ID card, device, or receipts show a different name — or no bank name at all — walk away.
8. Be cautious of agents who approach you unsolicited. Legitimate BC agents typically operate from a fixed kiosk or designated location in your village or locality. An agent who approaches you on the street or door-to-door to offer transactions should be verified more carefully before you engage.

Items People Commonly Miss

• Checking the card validity date: An expired BC agent card is not valid. The agent may still be legitimate and waiting for renewal, but do not transact until a valid card is shown.
• Calling the bank independently: Always use a phone number you find from an official source — the bank's website, your passbook, or a government portal — not a number given to you by the agent themselves.
• Requesting the agent ID in writing: If you are depositing a significant amount, write down the agent ID from their card before the transaction. You will need this if you ever need to raise a complaint.

What to Do After the Checklist Is Complete

Once you are satisfied the agent is genuine, proceed — but stay alert throughout the transaction. Watch the device screen, confirm the transaction amount before biometric authentication, and keep your receipt.

If something feels wrong at any point, stop the transaction. A genuine agent will not pressure you or rush you. Report suspicious agents to your bank's customer care or to the RBI complaint portal at sachet.rbi.org.in — this helps protect other people in your area as well.

What to Do If You Suspect You Were Defrauded

Call your bank's customer care immediately. Block your account if any unauthorised transactions occurred. File a complaint with the bank in writing and follow up with a police complaint if the financial loss is significant. The sooner you act, the better your chances of recovery.