Cyber Fraud: SBI issued important alert to customer

Cyber Fraud: State Bank of India (SBI) has issued a “Cyber Fraud Alert” to its customers, specifically warning them about fake calls. This type of scam, known as “vishing” (voice phishing), is a common tactic used by fraudsters to steal personal and financial information.

How the Scams Work:

Scammers often impersonate bank officials, government agents, or other trusted entities to trick customers. They may use several tactics to create a sense of urgency or fear, including:

Threatening to block accounts: Fraudsters may call customers and claim their account will be blocked or suspended unless they provide certain details.

Promising rewards or services: Scammers may promise a prize, a quicker loan or pension processing, or other benefits that require the customer to share sensitive information.

Spoofing phone numbers: Criminals can disguise their phone number to make it appear as if the call is coming from the bank’s official number, making it seem more legitimate.

Using fear and urgency: They often create a high-pressure situation, insisting that the customer act immediately to avoid a negative consequence.

Once they gain the customer’s trust, they try to extract confidential information such as:

ATM PIN

OTP (One-Time Password)

CVV number

Credit/debit card number

Internet banking login ID and password

SBI’s Official Warning and Safety Guidelines

SBI has clarified that its officials, or those of any other legitimate financial institution, will never ask for sensitive information like passwords, PINs, or OTPs over the phone, through SMS, or via email.

Here are the key safety tips and guidelines from SBI to protect yourself from cyber fraud:

Never share confidential information: Do not share your username, password, ATM PIN, or OTP with anyone, even if they claim to be a bank employee.

Be wary of suspicious links: Do not click on any suspicious links received through SMS or WhatsApp.

Download apps from official sources only: Only download or update banking apps through official app stores like Google Play Store or the App Store.

Verify the caller’s identity: If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and call the bank’s official customer care number (18001234 or 18002100) or visit your nearest branch to verify the information. SBI has also stated that genuine transactional and service-related calls will come from numbers beginning with +91-1600.

Check for the ‘https://’ prefix: When logging into your bank’s website, always ensure the URL starts with https:// and look for the padlock symbol, which indicates a secure connection.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed:

If you believe you have been a victim of cyber fraud or have accidentally revealed your credentials, take immediate action:

1. Block your account/card: Contact your bank immediately to block your account or card.

2. Report the incident:

Email the cyber security department at report.phishing@sbi.co.in.

Call the cybercrime helpline number 1930.

File a complaint on the official government website cybercrime.gov.in.

File a complaint at your nearest police station, providing all relevant details and documents.

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