Govt warns SBI users against fraudulent messages circulating online

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has issued a fact-check report for State Bank of India (SBI) customers, and has warned them against a fraudulent message circulating online. In a social media post, the PIB cautioned users about messages asking recipients to download and install an APK file to redeem SBI rewards, urging people to remain vigilant as such links are part of an ongoing SMS and WhatsApp scam. PIB also urged not to download unknown files or click on such links.

“Did you also receive a message asking you to download & install an APK file to redeem SBI rewards? SBI never sends links or APK files over SMS/WhatsApp," PIB noted in the social media post. Did you also receive a message asking you to download & install an APK file to redeem SBI rewards

Beware #PIBFactCheck

 @TheOfficialSBI NEVER sends links or APK files over SMS/WhatsApp

Never download unknown files or click on such links pic.twitter.com/yIVXqtEozs

— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) December 27, 2025

PIB also attached a screenshot of the fake message as an example of the kind of deceptive messages that the scammers are using to lure and trap customers.

The message stated, “FAKE — Dear value customer, your SBI net banking reward points (₹9980.00) will expire today! Now redeem through SBI reward app install and claim your reward by cash deposit in your account.”

This is, however, not the first time such scams have been flagged, with both the government and SBI repeatedly issuing warnings to alert customers. These advisories have been released earlier as well to raise awareness and prevent losses due to frauds.