2024-11-11 12:33:09 :
The State Bank of India (SBI) has warned its customers about ongoing SMS and WhatsApp scams and asked them not to click on links or download APK files to redeem “reward points”.
On November 11, India’s largest public sector lender posted on its X official social media account (previously known as Twitter): “Attention SBI customers: Beware of fraudsters.”
“Scammers send links through SMS or WhatsApp to claim reward points or download apk files to redeem reward points. SBI will never send such messages with links to download apk files or claim reward points. Do not click on such links to claim rewards Credits or download the .apk file. Stay safe!” it warns.
The attached image also provides examples of the types of messages fraudsters send to lure customers. Statement: “Fake – Dear Customer, Reward Points worth Rsxxxxx on your SBI Bank Debit Card will expire today. Please click on the link below www.clickforrewards.xx to redeem your points”
PIB Fact Checking SBI Reward Scam
Earlier on November 3, the Centre’s Press Information Bureau (PIB) had also posted on X warning unsuspecting customers about the ‘SBI Rewards’ scam.
It warns: “Watch out!!️ Have you also received a message asking you to download and install an APK file to redeem SBI rewards? PIB Fact Check: SBI never sends links or APK files via SMS/WhatsApp. Do not download Unknown file or click on such link.”
Online fraud is on the rise
Online fraud cases are on the rise in India and people are “losing hundreds of thousands of dollars” due to “sophisticated” fraud schemes, the Indian government said in a report.
Indians lost approx. $According to government data, “digital arrest” fraud amounted to Rs 120.3 billion in the first quarter of this year.
The report states that the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) launched the “International Call Scam Prevention System” last month. The two-stage system will detect and block spam international calls falsely showing Indian numbers, thereby targeting “key elements” of certain scam schemes.
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