Fraud Alert: A new formula for fraud has arrived! One mistake and the entire pension will be wiped out from the account..

SBI Fraud Alert: The country's largest government bank, State Bank of India (SBI), has alerted its customers about a new fraud. This time, the method of fraud is a little different. Fraudsters are trying to change the registered mobile numbers of the customers. If this trick succeeds, then all the SMS and alerts related to the customer's bank account start reaching the fraudsters directly, and the customer does not even get a hint of the money withdrawn from the account.

How does this fraud work?

SBI released a post on the social media platform X (earlier Twitter) and said that fraudsters are especially targeting pensioners and senior citizens. Fraudsters call and say that the verification of your pension payment order (PPO) is pending. They also promise that with their help, the processing of PPO will be done quickly. If the customer does not listen to them, then he is threatened that his pension will be stopped. On this pretext, they take the necessary information from the customer and then take control of the account by changing the mobile number.

What is a PPO number?

PPO, i.e., Pension Payment Order, is a unique 12-digit number that EPFO ​​​​gives to every pensioner. It is used for all pension-related transactions and communication. This is the reason why fraudsters try to obtain the PPO number and other details.

What warning did SBI give to customers?

The bank has said that it never makes phone calls, SMS, any link, or ATM visits for PPO verification. If you receive any such call or message, then it is the work of fraudsters.

Customers have been advised not to click on any suspicious link. Never tell your username, password, ATM PIN, or OTP to anyone. Download banking apps only from the Google Play Store or App Store. In case of any doubt, contact the nearest SBI branch or customer care (18001234 / 18002100) immediately. To complain about any cyber fraud, call the helpline number 1930 or visit cybercrime.gov.in.

Why are such incidents increasing?

With the increase in digital transactions in the banking sector, the methods of cyber fraud are also changing. Earlier, where only OTP or card details were stolen, now the fraudsters have gone so far as to change the mobile number of the customer. This gives them complete control over the account.

Your mobile number is your key.

SBI has said that customers should keep their registered mobile number safe because this is the key to their bank account. If it goes into the wrong hands, then your money may be at risk.

How to identify real and fake calls?

SBI has shared another important information. If you get a call from a number starting with +91-1600, then it is a real call made by SBI. These calls are only for information related to a transaction or service. But if you receive a call from a suspicious or unknown number and are asked for bank details, be alert immediately.

How to change the mobile number in the SBI account

If you have recently changed your mobile number and want to update it in your SBI account, then the bank has given an easy process for this. Go to www.onlinesbi.com. After logging in, click on the “Profile-Personal Details-Change mobile number” option. Select your account number, enter the new mobile number, and submit. The last two digits of your old mobile number will appear on the screen. You will get the status of the mobile number update through SMS.

How should customers be alert?

Read every SMS and email carefully. If you receive a suspicious call, disconnect the call immediately. Pensioners should not share their information with any unknown person. If you become a victim of cyber fraud, file a complaint immediately; delay may increase the loss.

Conclusion
This alert from SBI is very important for all customers, especially senior citizens and pensioners. Fraudsters are constantly innovating new methods, but such fraud can be avoided with awareness and caution. Remember—the bank never calls or SMSes for OTP, password, or PPO verification.

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.