Bank KYC Update SMS Scam by SMS

How it looks by SMS, the red flags and what to do.

A text message is the cheapest way for a scammer to reach thousands of phones at once, and the sender name can look like a bank, a courier or a government office. Bank KYC Update SMS Scam is one of the ways this shows up: An SMS says your bank KYC has expired and your account will be blocked today. The link or number steals your details and OTP.

What bank kyc update sms scam looks like by SMS

• A request to call a number, install an app or share an OTP.
• Several near-identical messages arriving together from different senders.
• A sender name that resembles a bank, courier, tax or utility, or an ordinary mobile number.

The scammer sends the same message to huge lists of numbers, assuming that some of the receivers hold an account with the bank named. Because the SMS says 'dear customer' with no name, it fits almost anyone. A short deadline, such as 'today' or 'within 24 hours', takes away your time to check with the branch or the bank's app.

Red flags to check on the text message

• The message has no name and says 'dear customer'.
• A link is used to update KYC instead of the bank's app or branch.
• PAN, card details and OTP are asked together.
• A same-day deadline and account block are threatened.
• It threatens blocking, arrest, disconnection or a fine unless you act at once.
• It promises a refund, prize or cashback you never asked for.

What to do

1. Do not tap the link or call the number.
2. Open your bank's official app or visit the branch to check if KYC is pending.
3. Never share an OTP, PIN or password in reply to a message.
4. Open the official app or type the official website yourself to see if there is any real notice.
5. Paste the text into a scam checker (Safeavio Sentinel can check it) before you do anything else.
6. Report the sender on the Sanchar Saathi portal (Chakshu facility) and block the number.

You can report suspicious SMS and calls on the Sanchar Saathi portal (Chakshu facility) of the Department of Telecommunications.

If money or a code is already gone

1. Call 1930 at once if money left your account, giving the time and amount.
2. Call your bank on the number on your card or passbook and block cards and net banking.
3. Change your passwords and PIN from a safe device.
4. Report at https://cybercrime.gov.in with the message and screenshots.

National Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930; report at cybercrime.gov.in.

Safeavio's scam check reviews the SMS you paste or share and gives a plain verdict with reasons such as urgency, fake authority and OTP asks. The link check examines the link for lookalike domains and shortened addresses before you open it. It does not read your messages on its own and cannot confirm your KYC status, so ask your bank.

Full guide: Bank KYC Update SMS Scam: how it works, signs and what to do. Other channels: WhatsApp, phone call, email.

Questions