EPFO Update: Imagine that the same company in which you never worked starts appearing in your PF passbook. An incorrect PF Member ID linked to the Universal Account Number (UAN) can spoil your service history and even prevent PF transfer or withdrawal. If you too are seeing such strange records on the EPFO portal, then there is no need to panic. With a little understanding and correct steps, this problem can be easily rectified.
Why does the problem of wrong PF Member ID occur?
In most cases, this mistake occurs due to omission in data entry or mapping on the part of the employer. Someone else’s PF number from the HR or payroll team may be linked to your UAN, an additional member ID may be created by mistake or a wrong establishment code may be used. Usually, this error is detected when you log in to EPFO’s member e-service portal and check the service history or passbook.
- First document the mistake.
- Before contacting anyone, clarify where the mistake lies.
- Note down your UAN and all the PF Member IDs associated with it.
- Mark the wrong Member ID separately.
- Save screenshots of service history and passbook.
- Keep the appointment letter or salary slip from the correct employer.
- This evidence makes the further process easier.
Contact employer with wrong ID
The most important step is to speak to the HR or payroll team of the employer whose PF member ID is wrongly linked to your UAN. Let them know via email or in writing that incorrect mapping is visible in your EPFO records. Attach the screenshot and ask them to check it on their EPFO employer portal. If they admit the mistake, ask them to request correction or de-linking in writing to the concerned regional EPFO office. EPFO usually makes corrections only on the basis of confirmation from the employer.
File complaint online with EPFO
Along with this, definitely register the grievance online on EPFiGMS portal. Give this information in the complaint – your UAN, correct PF Member ID, wrong PF Member ID and name of the concerned employer. Also write clearly that you only want the wrong mapping corrected and not transfer or closure. Upload screenshots and proof of conversation with HR. With this the case is officially registered in the system.
If necessary, go to PF office and follow up.
If the response to the online complaint is unclear or the work is not progressing, it may be helpful to visit the concerned regional PAP office. Keep UAN details, identity card, copy of grievance and employer’s reply with you. State in clear words that you only want to remove the wrong PF member ID from UAN. It may take a few weeks for the system to update, but eventually the incorrect ID is removed.
How to avoid such mistakes in future
On every job change, give your old UAN to the new employer. After one or two months of joining, check your service history by logging into the EPFO portal. Keep your KYC updated, so that a duplicate or wrong PF account is not created in your name.
Overall, linking wrong PF member ID with Universal Account Number is certainly troublesome, but it can be rectified with correct documentation, communication with the employer and follow-up with EPFO. Once the error is removed from the system, your PF history starts looking clear and correct again.
