Banking: Do you also do this work in the greed of 'reward point-cashback'..

SBI Customers Alert: Nowadays, cases of online fraud are increasing continuously. Fraudsters trap common people by coming up with new ways and make off with their hard-earned money. If you are a customer of State Bank of India (SBI), then this news is very important for you. Recently, PIB Fact Check has issued a warning regarding a message in which fake links and APK files are being sent to customers in the name of SBI Rewards.

PIB has made it clear that SBI never sends APK files or links via SMS or WhatsApp. Trusting any such message can directly put your account in danger.

How are SBI customers being trapped?

Fraudsters first send you a message. It is written in it that you have SBI NetBanking Reward Points (eg, ₹ 9,980) which are going to expire soon. A link or APK file is given in this message, which is asked to download.

As soon as you download and install that file, malware enters your phone. Through this, thugs steal your banking details, UPI PIN, password, and even OTP. Then the money is withdrawn from your account, and you do not even know.

What did SBI and PIB say?

PIB Fact Check has tweeted, "SBI never sends APK files or links through WhatsApp or SMS. If you get any such message, delete it immediately and do not click on the link under any circumstances."

State Bank of India (SBI) has also appealed to customers not to trust such fake messages or calls. Information about real reward points is available only on SBI's official website or the YONO app.

Easy ways to avoid fraud

Do not click on unknown links - whether it is SMS or WhatsApp, do not click on any suspicious link.

Never download APK files - download applications only from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

Do not share OTP and PIN – The bank never asks for OTP or PIN.

Keep account alerts activated – Keep SMS/email alerts on for every transaction.

Use only official websites and apps – YONO SBI app or www.onlinesbi.com are the only authentic platforms.

Report suspicious messages – If you receive such a message, immediately forward it to report.phishing@sbi.co.in.

Why do such frauds happen?

With the increase in digital payments, cyber fraud has also increased. Fraudsters often take advantage of people's haste and greed. People are trapped by sending messages like - “Free reward points”, “Big cashback”, “Update KYC”, or “Lottery is on”.

In most cases, people click on the link or download the APK without thinking. After this, their phone gets hacked, and money disappears from the account.

What to do if you get cheated?

Immediately call the bank's customer care and get the account blocked. File a complaint at the nearest police station or cybercrime cell. You can also file a complaint online on the National Cyber Crime Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in). Contact a cyber expert to get the malware removed from your phone.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Zee Business. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.