SBI KYC fake links ALERT! Do not click, bank says beware; know how to avoid loss

An alert has been sounded for account holders regarding SBI KYC fake links. State Bank of India took to Twitter warn about KYC fraud.

SBI KYC fake links are being sent via SMS by cybercriminals and the bank says account holders must not click on them. (MINT_PRINT)

The exciting Netflix Money Heist series might have ended, but the the online heists by the fraudsters in the real world seems like a never-ending phenomenon! With digital banking and payments soaring due to the pandemic, cases of online fraud too are rising by the day. In view of this, one of India's largest banks, the State Bank of India (SBI) took to Twitter to alert the customers about the soaring cases of net banking fraud these days. SBI has shared a tweet on its Twitter handle along with an infographic that raises awareness around KYC frauds. The alert is for SBI KYC fake links that cybercriminals send to account holders and they have been told not to click on any such embedded links they may have received via SMS.

"Here is an example of #YehWrongNumberHai, KYC fraud. Such SMS can lead to fraud, and you can lose your savings. Do not click on embedded links. Check for the correct short code of SBI on receiving an SMS. Stay alert and stay #SafeWithSBI," the SBI tweet reads. Along with the tweet, the bank has shared an infographic that brings attention to the widely shared fraud SMS to customers over a period of time and a tip to avoid clicking on embedded links. The bank also asked customers to always check the shortcode of SBI while receiving any text message.

The shared dubious message reads – “Dear Customer, Your SBI documents has been expired. Your account will be blocked in 24 hrs. please upload your KYC in click here link- http://ibit.ly/oMwK." The fraud message comes along with a cryptic embedded link, and once you click on it, the hackers or fraudsters have full access to your bank account details which can cost you a huge amount of money. So, what should you do to avoid being the victim of such fraud cases?

Points to remember to avoid SBI KYC fake links

• The State Bank of India alerts the customers that they should never update their Know Your Customer (KYC) over embedded links sent through an SMS, as the bank never asks for such an update.
• Never share your PIN or OTP: Remember that you never need to authenticate your account through PIN or OTP to receive money in your bank account. If anyone asks you about your OTP or PIN, then alert.
• Beware of the tempting bank offers, if it looks too good then think twice before clicking on it. The fraud offer may have a malicious link that can hack your device.
• Use official bank websites, apps, or portals to make payments. Never use unknown portals to make payments.