Do and Don't for Investors while Investing through Agent

• An account for any of the National Small Savings Schemes can be opened and money can be deposited by himself/herself by visiting the Post Office/Bank Branch in person.
• Facility of making online deposit is also available for certain schemes in Banks such as E-Kisan Vikas Patra, Public Provident Fund and Sukanya Samridhi Account.
• In case one decides to avail the services of Authorised Agents, the following is the advice:
  • Establish identity of Authorised Agents by checking his Certificate of Authority and date of validity of the agency
  • Fill in the application form yourself. However, help/guidance of the agent may be availed
  • Always insist for Authorised Receipt duly completed by the agent while handing over money/instruments and documents to the agent for opening an account or making deposit. These receipt books are supplied by Government to the agents (Authorised Agents Receipt Books and ASLAAS – 5 cards for MPBKY agents)
  • Preserve counterfoils of the ASLAAS 5 cards till maturity of the account
  • If an agent declines or avoids issue of receipt book/ASLAAS card, do not entertain him/her and report the matter to the Postal/District Authorities.
  • Ensure receipt of passbook from the agent within 10 days from the date of investment. In case of non-receipt of passbook from the agent within 10 days from the date of Investment, lodge a complaint with either Appointing Authority; Regional Director, National Savings Institute; Concerned Post Master.
  • Invariably verify the correctness of the amount, date, stamp, signature etc. mentioned in the Passbook from the concerned Post Office from time to time
  • Do not hand over the cash to any unauthorised person or issue a cheque in favour of an agent
  • For investment over and above ₹10,000; issue only an account payee cheque drawn in favour of concerned Post Master
  • Do not fill/sign the withdrawal form before maturity