Fixed Deposit Premature Closure Scam on WhatsApp

How it looks on WhatsApp, the red flags and what to do.

WhatsApp scams arrive from numbers you do not know, from a friend whose account was taken over, or from a group you were added to without asking. Fixed Deposit Premature Closure Scam is one of the ways this shows up: A caller says your fixed deposit has matured or can earn extra interest if you act now, and asks for an OTP, link or remote access.

What fixed deposit premature closure scam looks like on WhatsApp

• A message from an unknown number, often with a stock photo of a smiling person.
• A friend or relative asking for urgent money from a new number or a hacked account.
• A group invite promising returns, jobs or prizes.

The scammer finds people through leaked customer lists or by guessing that older account holders have deposits. They call as a bank's investment desk, mention FDs in a general way and say that a rate change or a maturity date means you must act this week. They may refer to 'your FD' without a number so that you fill in the details yourself.

Red flags to check on the WhatsApp message

• An unexpected call about your FD offers a special rate.
• An OTP or login is needed to renew or close it.
• A link or support app is used to process the request.
• The offer ends this week or today.
• Someone asks for the six-digit code WhatsApp sent you by SMS.
• A new number says it is someone you know and asks for money; call the real person on the old number first.

What to do

1. End the call and do not share any OTP, login or account details.
2. Check your deposit in the bank's official app or at your branch.
3. Use only the number on your passbook or statement to call the bank.
4. Turn on two-step verification in WhatsApp settings so a stolen SMS code is not enough.
5. Warn the group or family, and report the number on Sanchar Saathi if it is a scam call or message.
6. Do not click links or open files. Do not send money or codes.

Inside WhatsApp use Block and report; for numbers that call or text you, the Sanchar Saathi portal (Chakshu facility) also takes complaints.

If money or a code is already gone

1. Call your bank on the number printed on your passbook and ask to block net banking and transfers.
2. Call 1930 and give the amounts, time and receiver details.
3. Report at https://cybercrime.gov.in with call logs and statements.
4. Ask the bank to review any payees or contact changes made on your account.

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

Safeavio's Money Shield checklist and family code word help families agree how to handle money requests, which is useful for older relatives who hold deposits. The scam check can review any follow-up message or link that you paste. Safeavio does not block calls by itself, so end the call and confirm everything with your branch. Ask your branch. Check with them directly.

Full guide: Fixed Deposit Premature Closure Scam: how it works, signs and what to do. Other channels: phone call, SMS, email.

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