Bank Nominee Update Scam by SMS

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

On SMS the scammer has only a few lines to work with, so they use a deadline, a threat or a prize and a link that must be tapped "now". Bank Nominee Update Scam is one of the ways this shows up: A message or call says nominee details are missing and your account will be frozen. The form or OTP they ask for opens your account to the scammer.

What bank nominee update 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 a message in the name of a bank or a savings platform, saying that adding a nominee is now mandatory and the deadline is close. The wording is plain and calm, and it includes a link and a line that your account may be restricted. Because it is a real topic in the news, people do not question it much.

Red flags to check on the text message

• A message says your account will be frozen without a nominee.
• A link is used to add a nominee.
• The form asks for login, ID number and OTP.
• A 48-hour or same-day deadline is given.
• It tells you to install an app from a link instead of the official store.
• The link domain is not the one you type yourself for that organisation.

What to do

1. Do not tap the link or share any OTP.
2. Check your nominee details in the bank's official app or at the branch.
3. Add a nominee only through those official routes.
4. Paste the text into a scam checker (Safeavio Sentinel can check it) before you do anything else.
5. Report the sender on the Sanchar Saathi portal (Chakshu facility) and block the number.
6. Delete the message and tell family members who may get the same text.

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 your bank on the number on your card or passbook and block net banking and cards.
2. Call 1930 and give the transaction details and time.
3. Ask the bank to review changed contact details and payees.
4. Report at https://cybercrime.gov.in with the message and form screenshots.

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

Safeavio's scam check can review the message you paste and explain the signs of pressure, fake authority and OTP asks, and the link check looks at the link before you open it. It cannot tell whether your account needs a nominee, so use the bank's official app or branch. Safeavio does not read your messages on its own. Ask your bank.

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

Questions