‘Do not click on links…’ SBI Warns Against Reward Points Scams through SMS & WhatsApp

New Delhi, India - State Bank of India issues stern word of caution to its customers regarding ongoing SMS and WhatsApp scams dupe the customers into clicking malicious links or downloading harmful APK files claiming that their "reward points" can be redeemed.

In a message it posted on its official X or formerly Twitter account on November 11, SBI warned of fraudsters, saying, "Attention SBI Customers Beware of fraudsters." The bank also said that fraudsters have been sending people fraudulent messages asking them to click on the given links or download APK to claim reward points. "SBI never sends any message with the link to download the APK file or to claim reward points.". Do not click on such links for claiming your reward points or downloading the .apk file. Stay Safe and Secure!! 

Along with the post, there was a descriptive image of the usual spam message as follows: "FAKE — Dear customer the reward point on your SBI Bank debit card worth Rs.xxxxx/- will expire today. Kindly redeem your point by clicking on the link below www.clickforrewards.xx." This way, customers can also recognize and avoid similar scams. Earlier, on 3 Nov, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) had also issued an advisory alert message for the "SBI Rewards" scam. The PIB said, "" Beware‼️ Did you also receive a message asking you to download & install an APK file to claim SBI rewards? PIB Fact Check: SBI NEVER sends links or APK files via SMS / WhatsApp.

Never download unusual attachments or click such pop-ups. This parallel warning emphasizes the gravity and ruthlessness of these types of scams.

Cyber fraud cases in India are on the rise. According to one report, the losses swing between ₹120.3 crore ($15.6 million) and people amid digital frauds in the first quarter of the year alone. The scams employ such very sophisticated schemes that take advantage of vulnerabilities in the technologies and human trust to cause whopping financial losses to unsuspecting victims.

As the cyber frauds continue to threaten innocent citizens, "International Incoming Spoofed Calls Prevention System" has just been launched by DoT recently. It is a two-pronged initiative aimed at detection and blocking spam international calls masquerading as Indian numbers-a critical component of many scam operations. By stopping scammers from using spoofed numbers, the DoT will reduce these fraud schemes' success and help consumers avoid further losses.

Experts suggest that customers exercise caution and follow the advice below to avoid falling for such scams:

Verify Authenticity of Websites : Always check the URL addresses of websites and ensure these are legitimate and secure. Enter no personal or monetary information without ensuring the website has a legitimate and secure presence.

Verify Contact Information : If someone unknown contacts demanding payment or rewards, verify whether the person is genuine before sharing any information.

Look for Red Flags: Be suspicious if they're asking you to weird payment processes such as unorthodox methods or asking for OTP during payment.

Online Safe Transaction: Where possible, use safe and secured means of making payment. Enable two-factor authentication for added security measures

Report Suspected Fraudulence: In case you have suspected you are a victim, alert local authorities and the bank in time to minimize your loss. Some of these preventive measures, along with the public warning for people, are part of the larger agenda of the banks against the increasing tide of cyber frauds in India. Hence, the aim of this bank is to help its customers form an environment of safe and secure digital banking with educated customers and stronger security protocols.

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