RBI Compensation and Unclaimed Money 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. RBI Compensation and Unclaimed Money Scam is one of the ways this shows up: A message claims RBI or a bank owes you compensation or unclaimed money and asks for a fee, tax or account details to release it.

What rbi compensation and unclaimed money 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 makes a document with a logo, a stamp and a signature, and sends it by email or chat. It says that you are due a large sum, such as Rs 25 lakh, because of a banking error, a lapsed policy or a global fund. The document includes a case number and a contact person, which are made up, and tells you that a quick reply is needed.

Red flags to check on the text message

• A large unexpected compensation or award is offered.
• A fee or tax is needed before payment.
• The message arrives by chat or free email, not through a bank.
• You are asked for ID and bank details in reply.
• 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 reply and do not pay any fee.
2. Do not send your ID or bank details.
3. Ask your own bank about any claim through the number on your card.
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 and give the payment details.
2. Tell your bank on the number printed on your card or passbook.
3. Keep copies of what you sent and watch for accounts or loans in your name.
4. Report at https://cybercrime.gov.in with the documents and chat.

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

Safeavio's scam check works on the message you paste or share and shows plain reasons such as a prize or windfall claim, an advance fee and fake authority. Money Shield asks you to verify before paying a stranger. It cannot check whether an unclaimed deposit exists, so ask your own bank directly through official channels. Ask your bank. Use official channels.

Full guide: RBI Compensation and Unclaimed Money Scam: how it works, signs and what to do. Other channels: email, WhatsApp, phone call.

Questions