Need advice: Previous employer opened PF account without my knowledge, stuck during new job joining

Hi all, I am stuck in a complicated HR/EPF situation and need guidance. •Graduated in 2017, worked at a startup until 2022. •Went abroad for studies, returned in 2024. •Took up a part-time remote job (foreign company, work-from-home) earning around 7–8 LPA. •Recently got an offer from a Big 4 in India.

Now the issue: •I previously worked for a company for only 15 days (left because of BGV fail because I edited payslips as they were not accepting my foreign job). •I didn’t disclose this company in my resume or pre-joining forms because the tenure was too short. • I recently checked my Full & Final settlement doc and to my surprise, that employer had created a UAN (EPF account) in my name with a PF contribution. •The new employer is asking for my UAN number. If I give it, they’ll see a company I never mentioned. If I don’t, it looks like I am hiding something. •To make it worse, if they contact that company during BGV, they may mention that I had issues during exit (I don’t know if they’ll disclose, but the risk is high).

My questions: 1. Is there any way to legally close/opt out of that UAN account since I worked only 15 days? 2. If I give my UAN, what is the safest way to explain this to HR without looking dishonest? 3. Do companies actually disclose negative BGV remarks if a future employer calls them? Or do they just confirm tenure & role?

I am feeling stuck and anxious because this is a dream opportunity for me, and I don’t want to lose it due to such a small but technical issue.

Would really appreciate advice from people who have been through HR, compliance, or similar situations.