Highlights
- SBI has advised customers to consider only +91-1600 series numbers valid to avoid digital fraud.
- RBI has issued a new guideline to all banks to deal with Digital Fraud.
- SBI has released a list of 15 valid numbers, from which the customers will be called.
- Warnings not to share information with any collar like OTP, Password, UPI PIN.
- Appeal to contact the bank branch or website immediately when suspected calls come.
SBI’s big step amid increasing threat of Digital Fraud
In the digital age where every work is being done through smartphones and internet, there Digital fraud Incidents of this are also increasing day by day. In view of this, India’s largest public sector banks, State Bank of India (SBI) Has issued an important warning for its millions of customers. The purpose of this alert is to protect customers from fake calls that can endanger their financial security.
SBI issued valid numbers to protect against digital fraud
SBI only calls from these numbers
SBI has shared an information on its official social media handles, saying that banks only +91-1600 Calls customers from the series numbers:
- 1600-01-8000
- 1600-01-8001
- 1600-01-8002
- 1600-01-8003
- 1600-01-8004
- 1600-01-8005
- 1600-01-8006
- 1600-01-8007
- 1600-11-7011
- 1600-11-7012
- 1600-11-7013
- 1600-11-7015
- 1600-01-7014
- 1600-10-0021
- 1600-00-1351
The bank has clarified that if a call comes from any other number other than these numbers and he calls himself a bank officer, then the customers should be alert immediately. It can be part of the digital fraud.
RBI also adopted strictness about digital fraud
RBI’s new guideline – effective from January 2025
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Has released a new guideline for all banks and financial institutions in January 2025 under which:
- “1600xx” series Will be used only for transactions and service calls.
- “140xx” series Will be used only for marketing and promotional calls.
This step Digital fraud Has been raised to stop because the most fraud in banking fraud is being done through fake mobile calls.
The tricks behind the digital fraud
How do fraud people target people?
Fraudsters call themselves bank officials by making fake calls and ask customers sensitive information like OTP, UPI PIN, Password, etc. Sometimes calls are so professional that common customers become confused. These deceitful Digital fraud Through people’s bank accounts empty.
SBI’s necessary advice for customers
Keep these things in mind to keep yourself and your money safe:
Only consider the call from these numbers valid:
+91-1600 Series calls are authorized by SBI.
Never make this mistake:
- Do not give OTP, ATM PIN, Password, or UPI PIN to any collar.
- No financial information should share on the call, no matter how reliable it looks.
What to do if fake calls come?
- Immediately contact the bank branch.
- Use SBI’s official website or toll-free number.
- File a complaint on Cyber Crime Helpline 1930.
Other measures to prevent digital fraud
Monitoring with mobile apps
- Yono SBI Like use official apps only.
- Do not click on any unknown link that have come through SMS or email.
Change passwords from time to time
- Change banking apps and Netbanking passwords every 3 months.
- Revise UPI PIN from time to time.
What do reports say – the reality of growing digital fraud
NCRB (National Crime Record Bureau) According to data, in 2024, India recorded a 68% increase in digital fraud cases. 74% of these cases were made through fake calls and links.
Top in affected states:
- Maharashtra
- Uttar Pradesh
- Delhi
- West Bengal
- Karnataka
It shows that Digital fraud Now it has become not only technical, but also social threat.
Be cautious, be safe
Digital fraud Security from is possible not only by technical measures, but with vigilance and awareness. By following the guidelines released by SBI and RBI, we can protect our hard earned money. Always keep in mind – the bank never calls for your personal information by calling.
