The Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check Unit (PIB Fact Check) has flagged two dangerous scams currently targeting unsuspecting bank customers across India. The first involves fraudulent voicemails impersonating the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), falsely warning recipients that their bank account will be blocked due to suspicious credit card activity. Victims are urged to press a number to learn more—a classic phishing trap to steal personal information.
In a separate alert, PIB has also warned about a fake app scam involving a viral message that invites users to download an application named ‘SBI Rewards’. This app is not authorized by the State Bank of India and has been linked to attempts to compromise users’ phones via malicious APK files. SBI has confirmed that it does not send reward redemption links or APKs via SMS or WhatsApp.
With hackers exploiting social engineering and technical loopholes to trick users into granting full access to their devices, staying alert and verifying sources before clicking on links or downloading apps is more important than ever.
What is RBI voice call fraud?
The Fact Check Unit of the Press Information Bureau (PIB) alerted on a fraudulent voicemail scam impersonating the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). These voicemails falsely claim that your bank account will be blocked due to alleged credit card fraud, urging recipients to press a number for more details. The warning is clear: this is a scam designed to steal your personal information.
The post warned to be aware of fraudulent calls impersonating the RBI that warn about bank account blocking.
In a social media post on X, the official handle of PIB Fact Check wrote, “Have you received a voicemail, allegedly from the Reserve Bank of India, claiming that your bank account will be blocked as your credit card has been involved in fraudulent activity. Beware! This is a scam.”
Adding further it said, “If you suspect any central government-related photo, video, or message to be fake, send it to PIBFactCheck.”
What is SBI Rewards fraud?
In an another social media post, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) has issued a warning about a viral message inviting people to download an app called ‘SBI rewards.’ This message has been discovered as part of a scam to defraud users.
PIB explained that the State Bank of India (SBI) does not transmit links or APK files via SMS or WhatsApp to redeem awards, emphasizing the significance of not downloading unfamiliar files or clicking on questionable links.
— PIBFactCheck (@PIBFactCheck)
What is APK, APK files to avoid fraud
Android ecosystem also allows users to install third party mobile applications and controls on Play Store and also make it possible for hackers to exploit user’s android device by making them install APK or by trojanizing a legitimate application.
PIB posted on social media X: “Did you also receive a message asking you to download & install an APK file to redeem SBI rewards? SBI NEVER sends links or APK files over SMS/WhatsApp. Never download unknown files or click on such links.”
— PIBFactCheck (@PIBFactCheck)
