Net Banking Phishing Site 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. Net Banking Phishing Site Scam is one of the ways this shows up: A link in an SMS or email opens a copy of your bank's login page that steals your user ID, password and OTP, then empties your account.

What net banking phishing site scam looks like by SMS

• A shortened or oddly spelled link that does not match the real website.
• A request to call a number, install an app or share an OTP.
• Several near-identical messages arriving together from different senders.

The scammer builds a page using your bank's logo, colours and wording and registers a web address that looks similar, with a swapped letter, an extra word or a different ending. They send it through SMS, email or ads that say there is a reward, a blocked account or a pending tax refund. Links are often shortened, so you cannot see where they lead.

Red flags to check on the text message

• A link in a message asks you to log in to your bank.
• The web address has extra words, letters or an unusual ending.
• The page asks for card PIN, CVV and an OTP together.
• The message threatens suspension within hours.
• 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. Close the page without typing anything.
2. Type your bank's address by hand or use the official app to log in.
3. Do not log in from a link in a message.
4. Report the sender on the Sanchar Saathi portal (Chakshu facility) and block the number.
5. Delete the message and tell family members who may get the same text.
6. Do not reply, do not tap the link and do not call the number in the message.

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 right away and give the amount, time and transaction details.
2. Call your bank on the number on your card or passbook and block net banking and cards.
3. Change your net banking password and UPI PIN from a safe device.
4. Report at https://cybercrime.gov.in with the link and screenshots.

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

Safeavio's link check lets you paste or share a link before opening it and looks for lookalike domains, shortened links and risky patterns, and the scam check shows why the message looks like pressure and fake authority. It cannot tell if a page is truly your bank's, so open your bank's official app or type the address yourself. Type the address yourself.

Full guide: Net Banking Phishing Site Scam: how it works, signs and what to do. Other channels: email, WhatsApp, social media.

Questions