Bank and card fraud by SMS
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.
Guides
SIM Swap Bank FraudFraudsters get a duplicate SIM issued for your number, receive your bank OTPs and drain your…Net Banking Phishing Site ScamA link in an SMS or email opens a copy of your bank's login page that steals your user ID,…Bank KYC Update SMS ScamAn SMS says your bank KYC has expired and your account will be blocked today. The link or number…PAN Update Bank Account Block ScamA message says your PAN must be updated or your bank account and card will be blocked. The form…Credit Limit Increase Call ScamA caller offers to raise your credit card limit and asks for an OTP or card details. The OTP…EMI and Loan Waiver Call ScamA caller promises to waive your EMI, interest or part of your loan if you pay a fee or share an…ATM Card Swap Helper ScamA 'helpful' stranger at an ATM watches your PIN and swaps your card for a similar one, then…ATM Skimmer and Hidden Camera ScamA hidden reader on an ATM slot copies your card, and a tiny camera records your PIN. Your account…Credit Card Reward Points APK ScamA message says your credit card reward points will expire today and links to an app. The app reads…Card Blocked Fake Executive Call ScamA caller says your debit or credit card has been blocked and offers to reactivate it, then asks…Instant Loan Processing Fee ScamA lender promises a quick loan with no paperwork, then asks for processing fees, insurance and…Pre-approved Loan SMS Link ScamAn SMS says you have a pre-approved bank loan and asks you to tap a link and log in. The page…Fake Bank App APK ScamA message tells you to update your bank's mobile app from a link. The file is a fake app that…Remote Access App Bank Support ScamA fake bank or refund agent asks you to install a screen-sharing app, then uses your banking apps…Debit Card Expiry and Replacement ScamA caller says your debit card is about to expire and a new one will be sent after you confirm…Fixed Deposit Premature Closure ScamA caller says your fixed deposit has matured or can earn extra interest if you act now, and asks…Dormant Account Reactivation ScamA message says your unused bank account will be closed unless you reactivate it through a link.…Salary Account Upgrade ScamA caller offers a free upgrade of your salary account with a premium card and benefits, and asks…Safe Account Transfer Fraud Alert ScamA caller says your account is under attack and asks you to move your savings to a 'safe account'…Fake Bank Statement PDF ScamAn email or message sends a bank statement or credit card bill as a file or link. Opening it…International Transaction Alert ScamA message says your card was used abroad for a large payment and gives a number to call. The…Bank Nominee Update ScamA message or call says nominee details are missing and your account will be frozen. The form or…Annual Fee and Bank Charges Refund ScamA caller says the bank charged you extra fees and will refund them if you share an OTP or open a…RBI Compensation and Unclaimed Money ScamA message claims RBI or a bank owes you compensation or unclaimed money and asks for a fee, tax or…Credit Card EMI Conversion ScamA caller says your large card bill can be turned into zero-cost EMI and asks for an OTP, which…Fake Loan Recovery Agent ScamCallers threaten to shame you or message your contacts unless you pay a loan, sometimes one you…Insurance Policy Revival and Claim Call ScamA caller says your old insurance policy has a bonus or can be revived, then asks for fees or an…
Check before you act
- The link domain is not the one you type yourself for that organisation.
- The message asks for an OTP, PIN, card number or password.
- It threatens blocking, arrest, disconnection or a fine unless you act at once.
- It promises a refund, prize or cashback you never asked for.
More: all bank and card fraud · all scams by SMS
Check it before you tap or pay
Safeavio Sentinel is a made-in-India Android app: paste a message or link, or scan a QR code, and get a plain verdict with the reasons. It helps you spot a scam; it does not promise to stop every one.
Download for AndroidWhat the app does
Google Play listing: coming soon. Today the signed APK is on safeavio.com/download. Android 7.0 or later.