Fraudulent emails sent in the name of banks could drain your account! Be sure to check these 3 things before clicking on any link..

In today's digital age, where all banking-related tasks can be accomplished in a snap, cybercriminals have become equally active. Nowadays, hackers are targeting people's hard-earned money by sending fraudulent emails disguised as coming from banks. These emails look so authentic that anyone could easily be deceived. However, do not panic; a little caution can save you from financial ruin.

What is Phishing?
Phishing is a technique in which hackers send you an email that closely resembles one from your bank. These emails often contain messages such as, "Your account is about to be blocked," or "You have received a large number of reward points." The email includes a link; clicking on it redirects you to a fake website that looks exactly like your bank's official site. The moment you enter your banking ID and password on this site, hackers gain access to all your personal information.

Be Sure to Check These 3 Things Before Clicking on an Email Link
If you receive a suspicious email claiming to be from your bank, carefully examine these three things before clicking the "Submit" button:

Sender's Email ID: Focus on the sender's actual email address, rather than just the name displayed. Banks always send emails from their official domain IDs (e.g., @hdfcbank.com or @sbi.co.in). Fraudulent emails often originate from free email services like @gmail.com or @outlook.com, or from addresses with slightly altered names, such as customersupport@bank-login.com.

Language and Grammatical Errors:
 Official emails from banks are written in a professional manner. If an email contains spelling mistakes, poor grammar, or attempts to scare you—for instance, by demanding that you "click the link within the next hour or your account will be closed"—you can be certain that it is a scam. Banks never solicit personal information by attempting to intimidate you in this manner.

URL and Website Security:
 Before clicking on a link provided in an email, hover your mouse cursor over it (without clicking). At the bottom of the screen, you will see the actual link address. If the website address begins with "http://", it is insecure. Secure banking websites always begin with "https://" (where 'S' stands for Secure) and feature a small padlock icon in the address bar.

Measures to Prevent Phishing
Do not click on suspicious links.
Never share your OTP, PIN, or passwords.
Verify the sender's email ID.
Be wary of messages containing urgent warnings, such as "Act now or your account will be closed."
Use only official websites or apps.
Keep Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) enabled.
Keep your antivirus software and phone's operating system updated.
Report any suspicious messages.
Avoid performing banking transactions over public Wi-Fi networks.
Monitor your account regularly.

What to Do If You Click a Link by Mistake?
If you have accidentally clicked on a fraudulent link, immediately contact your bank's customer care service, change your password, and request that your account be blocked.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from News18 Hindi. 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.