SBI Alert: Big news for SBI account holders. Stay alert. Mobile phones have become an essential part of our daily lives. Whether it’s banking, shopping, paying bills, or investing, we rely on our mobile devices for everything. Lately, there have been fake messages that lure people in with promises of reward points. This scam is so sophisticated that even well-educated individuals can fall victim to it. Here’s how this scam works and tips on how to steer clear of it:
In this scam, users unexpectedly receive an SMS or WhatsApp message claiming that they have accumulated thousands of Reward Points on their bank account or card, and they need to redeem them right away. The message includes a link that they are urged to click. Once the user clicks on the link and inputs their bank details, OTP, or card information, their account gets drained.
What are Fake Reward Point Messages?
These are fraudulent messages sent by scammers. They assert that reward points have been credited to your bank, credit card, or UPI account. The main goal of these messages is to extract sensitive information from you. Often, these messages will warn that if you don’t redeem your reward points immediately, they will expire. By using fear tactics and incentives, users are pressured into making hasty decisions.
How to Identify Fake Reward Messages?
Spotting a fake message isn’t too hard; it just takes a bit of common sense. The most obvious sign is poor grammar and spelling mistakes. These messages frequently contain odd Hindi phrases or broken English. Sometimes, the name of the bank is misspelled as well. Another red flag is an unfamiliar link. Banks never send links through SMS or WhatsApp asking for your personal information. If the link looks short or suspicious, proceed with caution.
Avoid these mistakes
The biggest mistake is clicking on unknown links. Clicking on one could put your phone or browser at risk. Never share your OTP, ATM PIN, CVV number, UPI PIN, or net banking details with anyone. According to the government and banks, calls starting with 1600 are genuine and safe. If a call appears to be from a 1600 number, it is likely from a bank or government institution. Furthermore, don’t immediately trust any bank-related information from any mobile number or WhatsApp call. If you accidentally clicked on a link or shared information, don’t panic. First, call the 1930 helpline number. This is the national helpline for cyber fraud. You can also file a complaint online at cybercrime.gov.in. The sooner you file a complaint, the greater your chances of saving your money.