A new wave of panic has spread among State Bank of India (SBI) customers after a message went viral on WhatsApp and social media platforms. The message claims that linking the SBI Yono app with Aadhaar is mandatory and users must download an APK file to update their KYC. It further warns that if this is not done, the Yono app will be blocked.
This alarming message has confused many customers, prompting them to act in haste. However, the truth is very different.
After the message started circulating widely, the government’s official fact-checking agency PIB (Press Information Bureau) stepped in. The PIB Fact Check team clarified on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that the message is completely fake and misleading.
PIB clearly stated that:
There is no requirement to download any APK file to link Aadhaar with the SBI Yono app
The message is being spread by cyber fraudsters
Users should not click on any suspicious links or download unknown files
State Bank of India has also warned its customers against such scams. The bank clarified that it never asks customers to download APK files via WhatsApp, SMS, or email. SBI does not send links for Aadhaar linking or KYC updates in this manner.
According to the bank, fraudsters are circulating fake APK links in the name of SBI Yono. Once installed, these malicious apps give scammers access to the user’s mobile phone, including banking apps and sensitive data.
Once a fake APK file is installed, it can:
Steal banking usernames and passwords
Read OTPs and messages
Access personal information
Transfer money from your account without permission
In many cases, victims realize the fraud only after their account balance is wiped out.
SBI and cybersecurity experts advise:
Never click on unknown links or download files from unverified sources
Be cautious of messages that create urgency or fear
Banks never ask for personal or banking details over phone or messages
Avoid messages with spelling mistakes or strange language
Download apps only from Google Play Store or Apple App Store
If you receive a suspicious message or suspect cyber fraud:
Email: report.phishing@sbi.co.in
Call: 1930 Cyber Crime Helpline
File complaint at: cybercrime.gov.in
The viral message claiming that the SBI Yono app must be linked with Aadhaar through an APK download is completely fake. There is no such requirement, and your app will not be blocked if you ignore it. These messages are designed only to scare users and steal their money.
Stay alert, stay informed, and do not fall for such digital traps.
