New Delhi, Sept 1 — The State Bank of India (SBI) has issued a public caution notice warning customers about a rising form of banking fraud involving mobile number changes.
The alert, published on SBI’s official social media channels, highlights how fraudsters are attempting to replace users’ registered mobile numbers with their own to gain unauthorized access to sensitive banking information.
Fraudsters Target Mobile Numbers to Hijack Accounts
According to the notice, scammers often send fake SMS messages offering faster processing of pension papers (PPO) or verification services.
Once the user responds, they ask for personal details or OTPs, which are then used to change the registered mobile number linked to the bank account.
“The fraudster’s aim is to replace your registered mobile number with theirs,” the notice reads.
SBI emphasized that it never asks for personal verification via phone calls, SMS, links, or passwords.
How to Stay Safe
The bank advises users to follow strict precautions:
- Never share usernames, passwords, ATM PINs, or OTPs.
- Download or update banking apps only from official app stores.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links.
- Read SMS and email alerts carefully.
- Report incidents to the Cybercrime Cell via www.cybercrime.gov.in or call 18001234500.
Security Reminder from SBI
SBI also clarified that calls prefixed with “140” are genuine and secure.
“Stay alert. Stay safe,” the bank urged in its closing message.
The notice is part of SBI’s ongoing efforts to raise cybersecurity awareness and protect customers from evolving digital threats.