Outlook Business Desk
India’s biggest public sector bank, State Bank of India (SBI), has warned citizens about a surge in cyber scams targeting mobile users, job seekers, online investors and everyday banking customers.
SBI says scammers are playing on people's fear, urgency, and greed. They pretend to be from the police, government, or banks to pressure people into sharing personal or financial details. Here are the types of scams it has flagged users to beware of:
Fraudsters claim to be from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and threaten mobile disconnection over illegal activity or Know Your Customer (KYC) issues. In reality, only telecom operators can block services—not TRAI.
Some scams involve fake calls about illegal parcels stuck at customs or threats of a “digital arrest” by fake police officers. SBI urges people to hang up and never engage, as scamsters prey on people's vulnerability about being engaged in illegal activity.
Scammers often claim that a family member has been arrested and demand money for their release. SBI advises confirming with relatives directly before responding and never transferring funds to anyone blindly.
Fake job offers demanding registration fees and stock market ads promising huge returns are common scam tactics used by fraudsters. These schemes exploit people’s financial aspirations. SBI reminds citizens to beware that legitimate jobs never ask for money upfront.
Be alert to messages about lottery winnings or accidental money transfers. These are often scams designed to steal your bank information or trick you into sending money. Always check with your bank before responding.
Beware of messages asking you to update your KYC for any service or claim tax refunds through suspicious links. SBI stresses that legitimate banks and tax departments never send such requests through SMS or calls.
SBI advises customers to stay vigilant, verify every suspicious call or message, and avoid sharing personal details. If anything seems off, report it immediately to a cybercrime portal or visit your local police station.