SBI Customers Alert: Beware of Pension Call Scams That Can Empty Your Bank Account

At this time, a new type of fraud is happening in the market. Because of this, State Bank of India (SBI) has asked its customers to be careful. The bank has issued a warning in public interest, saying that cyber criminals are now trying to commit fraud by changing the mobile number linked to customers’ bank accounts.

These criminals call or send SMS messages and say things like, “Click on this link to speed up the processing of your pension order (PPO),” or threaten, “Pension verification is pending. Your pension will be stopped if you do not act immediately.” In this way, they try to gain access to the customer’s account by making them click on links or share private information.

SBI Statement on PPO Verification

SBI has clearly said that the bank never does PPO verification through phone, SMS, link, or ATM visit.

pic.twitter.com/2hawON8UDU

— State Bank of India (@TheOfficialSBI) September 1, 2025

How to Stay Safe

1. Do not share your username, password, ATM PIN, or OTP with anyone.
2. Download or update banking apps only from Google Play Store or App Store.
3. If you have any doubt, contact your nearest branch or call customer care at 18001234 / 18002100.
4. To report cybercrime, call 1930 or lodge a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in.
5. Do not click on suspicious SMS or WhatsApp links, and read email alerts carefully.

SBI also reminded customers that “your registered mobile number is the key to your bank account. Keep it safe and avoid fraud.” The bank clarified that calls coming from 1600 are genuine and safe.