With the rise of
digital transactions in India, cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Fraudsters can target
UPI payments, internet banking, or card transactions, draining bank balances in minutes. One common tactic is
fraudulent calls pretending to be from your bank. Here’s how to stay safe.
1. Never Share OTP, PIN, or Card Details·
OTP (One-Time Password): Used for authorizing transactions—sharing it gives fraudsters full access.·
UPI PIN or debit/credit card PIN: Banks will
never ask for these.·
Rule of thumb: Treat every unsolicited call requesting such information as a scam.
2. Verify Caller Identity· If someone claims to be from your bank,
hang up immediately.· Call the bank’s
official number to verify the request.· Fraudsters often
spoof caller IDs to appear legitimate, so don’t trust the displayed number blindly.
3. Don’t Be Pressured by Urgency· Scammers create a
sense of emergency, like “Your account is blocked” or “Immediate verification required.”· Avoid acting
immediately under pressure. Legitimate banks give you time to respond safely.
4. Protect Your Personal Information· Avoid sharing
Aadhaar, PAN, date of birth, account number, or other sensitive info over the phone.· Be cautious on
social media or email, as fraudsters may collect data to impersonate you.· Enable
strong passwords and two-factor authentication for banking apps.
5. Report Suspicious Calls Immediately·
Inform your bank if you receive a suspicious call.·
Report to cybercrime authorities via https://cybercrime.gov.in.· Early reporting can
prevent financial loss and help authorities track fraudsters.
Bonus Tip: Stay Updated on Fraud Alerts· Follow
official bank notifications and government advisories.· Learn about common scams like
vishing (voice phishing),
smishing (SMS phishing), and online fraud tactics.
ConclusionA single fraudulent call can compromise your entire bank account. By memorizing these
five key safety tips—never sharing sensitive info, verifying callers, avoiding urgency, protecting personal data, and reporting suspicious activity—you can
safeguard your money and stay one step ahead of scammers.
Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.