SBI cautions against KYC fraud, check tips issued by the bank to avoid KYC scam

When it comes to KYC fraud, banks of India always keep alert to their customers through their social handles or official websites. Recently, the State Bank of India (SBI) has also alerted its customers against the same. The lender released a caution and advised customers to report any suspicious activity to the cybersecurity or cyber crime department of India. As KYC scam is spreading day-by-day across the country, individuals must prevent clicking on links issued by someone masquerading as an SBI official to being a victim.

Scammers deliver a link via a text message or mail to a specific person, requesting him or her to update the KYC, according to the lender. The SBI tweeted about the widespread illicit activities "The reality of KYC fraud has proliferated across the country. The target is sent a text message asking to update their #KYC by clicking on a link by someone acting as a bank/company representative. Report such scams at http://cybercrime.gov.in." As a result, SBI goes on to explain that customers can safeguard themselves from such scams:

• Do not open attachments/links sent to you through SMS/email from unknown senders.
• Do not install any mobile app premised on unsolicited phone calls or emails.
• Don't disclose your personal details like your Aadhaar number, date of birth, phone number, debit card number, pin, CVV, online banking user ID/password, OTP, account number and so on.
• SBI has also stated that banks never deliver links to update KYC and that anybody who receives such messages must denounce it at www.cybercrime.gov.in.

Meanwhile, SBI has also informed via its Twitter handle to the customers that "We advise our customers to link their PAN with Aadhaar to avoid any inconvenience and continue enjoying a seamless banking service." The lender has also stated that "Linking of PAN with Aadhaar is mandatory. If not linked, PAN will be rendered inoperative/inactive and cannot be quoted for conducting specified transactions."