Hello, I'm calling from the bank! If you trust this one call, your entire money will be wiped out. Know these 5 things to avoid fraudulent calls.

Bank fraud alert: Fraudulent calls are increasing rapidly, and fraudsters pretending to be bank officials ask for OTP, card details, and UPI PIN. But understand that banks never ask for such information. So, learn the questions that real bank officials don't ask over the phone and how to protect yourself from cyber fraud.

As digital transactions have grown rapidly in India, the cunningness of online fraudsters is also increasing at an equally rapid pace. Whether it's UPI payments, internet banking, or card transactions, cybercriminals have now discovered ways to drain people's bank balances in minutes. Their most common tactic is calling and impersonating a bank official. This is why it's crucial to understand what information a real bank never asks you over the phone.

Many fraudsters call, claiming to be officials from the KYC update team, bank verification department, card blocking team, or loan department. They speak such professional language that people easily fall for their trap. So, let's understand the signs that indicate a fraud or scammer when receiving such calls.

1. Banks never ask for an OTP - this is the biggest alert

One-time passwords (OTPs) are the most confidential information. Sharing just one OTP can empty your entire bank account in seconds. Therefore, keep in mind that no bank employee, government agency, or app ever asks for an OTP. So, if the caller asks for an OTP, hang up without hesitation.

2. Card Number, CVV, and Expiry Date - Never Share These Three

Fraud calls often claim that your card is about to be blocked and that you need the card's 16-digit card number, the CVV number on the back, and the expiry date to reactivate it. However, the reality is different. The bank never asks for this information. These three details are used for any online purchase, so sharing them with anyone is a very dangerous step for the account holder.

3. Banks often don't ask for passwords, UPI PINs, or net banking logins

Many fraudsters often ask for your password or UPI PIN under the pretext of a "PIN reset," a "net banking error," or a "UPI system update." However, remember that your password and PIN are only for you, so even bank employees can never see them.

4. Getting you to click on a link - This is the fastest fraud method

Fraudsters often call and tell you to immediately open a link sent via SMS or email to update your KYC. Once you click on the link, remote access can be installed on your phone. This could also lead to data theft and even access to your bank app. Always verify with the bank's official website or helpline before clicking on any link.

5. What to do if a call seems suspicious?

Hang up immediately
Block the number
Complain to the bank's official helpline

No bank has asked you these things

Banks never ask for sensitive information over the phone. OTP, PIN, password, CVV, and card details should always be kept confidential. In this era of increasing digital transactions, staying vigilant is the best way to avoid cyber fraud. A small mistake can wipe out years of earnings in minutes, so be immediately alert to any suspicious call. (Note: This news is based on general information; contact your bank for more details.)

5 FAQs

1. Why doesn't the bank ask for an OTP over a call?

An OTP is the most sensitive information; banks never ask for it over the phone, SMS, or email because it could be misused to empty your account.

2. Does the bank ask for your card number, CVV, and expiry date?

No. These are completely confidential details, and bank officials never ask for them.

3. What to do if someone asks for your UPI PIN or internet banking password?

Hang up immediately. The bank never asks for your UPI PIN, password, or login details.

4. Is it safe to click on a link received via SMS or email?

No. Clicking on such a link could lead to phone hacking and data theft.

5. What to do immediately if you receive a fraudulent call?

Hang up, block the number, and file a complaint with the bank's official helpline.