Cyber Awareness

SBI Urges Customers to Use Official Site for Helpline Numbers to Avoid Fraud

By Shivam Shukla

The State Bank of India has cautioned its customers against searching online for a bank’s customer‑care number, warning that fraudsters post fake helpline listings to trick people into giving away sensitive information or transferring money. SBI says customers should obtain support details only from the bank’s official website, not from any third‑party source. The advisory is part of its National Cyber Security Month Special Campaign 6.0, which promotes safe digital banking practices and helps people recognise and avoid online scams. The post includes a 1:02‑minute video that explains how these scams work. It shows that searching for “customer service” or a “local business number” and calling a top result can lead to financial loss. A customer may click a top result that matches the bank’s name, and the person who answers may sound professional. However, the listing could be fake, created by scammers to gain trust. They may then ask for bank details, request a payment or ask the customer to download an app. One wrong step can mean losing money. Fraudsters can publish fake numbers on websites, online directories and social media. Once a customer calls, the fraudster may pose as a bank officer or representative to obtain sensitive information or persuade the victim to transfer funds to other accounts. Customers who lose money to fraud should also be aware of the RBI’s rules on bank liability and compensation. Don’t panic. Contact your bank immediately and report the incident on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or call 1930, the national cybercrime helpline. SBI’s advisory comes down to one rule: verify before you call. Taking a few minutes to confirm the customer‑care number on the official website can protect your money from financial crime and your personal information from misuse.