Wakeup call for SBI Credit card users

The government issued advisory, State Bank of India (SBI) customers against fake messages circulating in the name of SBI, asking customers to update their PAN number to avoid their account from getting blocked.

According to the PIB fact check tweet, “A fake message issued in the name of SBI is asking customers to update their PAN number to avoid their account from getting blocked.”

The tweet also mentions: Never respond to emails/SMS asking to share your personal or banking details Report at report.phishing@sbi.co.in

“Dear Customer, Your SBI YONO Account Closed Today Contact Now And Update YOur PAN Details In The New Link.”

SBI, too, is warning its customers by sending SMS and circulating tips to check authenticity.

“Important! SBI never asks for Card/PIN/OTP/CVV details. Do not share these with anyone. Do not click on unknown links received on mobile/email -SBI Infosec Team.”

SBI recently sent message to its customers stating: “Important! SMS sent by SBI will always bear the short codes 'SBI', e.g., SBIBNK, SBIINB, SBYONO, ATMSBI. Do not act on messages received from strangers asking you to update KYC or unlock debit card by clicking on links. Such emails/ SMSs could be a fraud. Beware! & Stay Safe! - SBI Infosec Team.”

“Beware of SMSs citing pending KYC updation/ suspension of YONO account/ SIM card block/ PAN Card verification etc. Such SMSs are fake, do not respond.- SBI ISD”

Important security tips for safe online banking

# According to the SBI website, the following are some important security tips which needs to be considered to safe online banking

# Access your bank website only by typing the URL in the address bar of your browser.

Be aware of downloading any malicious application from mobile application stores (Google Playstore, Apple App Store, Blackberry App World, Ovi Store, Windows Marketplace etc) that are offering Online Banking. Kindly check their authenticity before downloading, by contacting your Bank.

# Do not click on any links in any e-mail message to access the site.

# SBI or any of its representative never sends you email/SMS or calls you over phone to get your personal information, password or one time SMS (high security) password. Any such e-mail/SMS or phone call is an attempt to fraudulently withdraw money from your account through Internet Banking.

# Never respond to such email/SMS or phone call. Please report immediately on if you receive any such e-mail/SMS or Phone call. Please lock your user access immediately, if you have accidentally revealed your credentials. Click here to lock.

# Do not be lured if you receive an e-mail/SMS/phone call promising reward for providing your personal information or for updating your account details in the bank site.

Having the following will improve your internet security:

# Scan your computer regularly with Antivirus to ensure that the system is Virus/Trojan free.

# Change your Internet Banking password at periodical intervals.

# Always check the last log-in date and time in the post login page.

# Avoid accessing Internet banking accounts from cyber cafes or shared PCs.

# After you have logged in, you will not be asked to provide your username and login password again. Also, you will not be asked to provide your CREDIT or DEBIT CARD details while using internet banking.

# If you get a message (such as through a pop-up) asking for such information, please do not provide this information no matter how 'genuine' the page appears to be.

# Such pop-ups are most likely the result of malwares infecting your computer. Please take immediate steps to disinfect your device.

A real report says, maximum mobile numbers (+91-7973433034) are coming from Ahmedabad, Gujarat. It is time for the Government to come out with the law of data privacy. For example: 914613 is the OTP to login to SBI Card Customer Assist Portal for your Credit Card ending XX6146. OTP valid for one Trxn. or 10 mins only. Do not share it with anyone.

After one receives the above message, you will receive an audio call . Calling from SBI Credit card and you have not responded to the message, we have shared. You need to update your eKYC. If you will not respond to this telephone call, first they try to convince, insist you to respond then they get violent over the phone.

A question comes how the criminal knows about the modus of operandi, and confidentiality of the bank database ,that includes your credit card number, name and Mobile number . Says, if you will not update the e-KYC, your Rs.199 is going will debit from your account.

It is high time for the leadership of SBI Credit card to look into this issue and control this growing scam is happening with their trusted card holders. It is alarming situation for the SBI credit card team to adopt security best practices and inform all the users on the growing crime.