SBI Warning to Its Customers Against Fake SBI Rewards Apps and Related Scams: Stay Protected
SBI Rewards Scams: Recently, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) has warned all SBI customers to stay protected from the fake State Bank of India (SBI) Rewards Apps. In this scam, fraudsters are sending messages where links are being provided to download an app called “SBI Reward.” This app these days is used to defraud users. Hence, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) has said to SBI not to send transmit links or PK files via SMS or WhatsApp to redeem awards, emphasizing the significance of not downloading unfamiliar files or clicking on questionable links to its customers. This advisory has been offered to avoid increasing cyber fraud incidents. Due to these incidents, a huge number of customers have lost a great amount of money.
SBI has recently posted on Twitter, saying, “It is observed that fraudsters are sending APKs and messages over SMS or WhatsApp for redeeming SBI reward points. Please note that SBI will never share links or unsolicited APKs over SMS or WhatsApp. Do not click on any such links or download unknown files.”
— State Bank of India (@TheOfficialSBI) November 4, 2024
How do Scammers Defraud Customers?
In this process, scammers send text SMS to people showing a state of emergency by saying that they have earned an expensive reward that will expire shortly if no action is taken immediately. Message in the way, “Your SBI NetBanking Reward Points (Rs 18,000.00) will expire today! Redeem them now through the SBI REWARD App. Install & claim your reward by cash deposit in your account” is sent to the people in this fraud. This message makes people download a fraud app that steals all the sensitive data of the customer.
Measures to be Safe Against Frauds
- Verify Sender Authenticity: Do not trust any of the senders, even if it is from your bank. First, confirm if the message is really from the site of your bank or not by directly contacting the bank using verified contact details.
- Avoid Clicking Links: Do not click on any of the links or download files immediately, as scammers are even using this technique where fraud apps steal sensitive details of the customers.
- Check for Red Flags: Be aware of messages showing an urgent need to accept requests or provide personal details.
- Use Official Apps and Websites: Always use official banking apps and websites to collect information and account management for transaction purposes or for any other reasons.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Enable the two-factor authentication setting in your mobile phones; this adds extra security to your accounts.
