Beware of Fake RBI Calls: Your Bank Account is NOT About to Be Blocked!

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has issued an important warning to Indian citizens: a new scam is on the rise, using fake voicemails that pretend to be from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). These tricky calls falsely claim that your bank account will be blocked because of suspicious credit card activity. 

The PIB Fact Check team has clearly stated that the RBI never makes such calls or issues these kinds of warnings to individuals. "This is a scam," PIB announced on social media, urging everyone to be very careful and not to follow any instructions from such messages. 

How Does This Scam Work? 

Victims of this scam usually get a pre-recorded voicemail. These messages, often in Hindi or English, sound very official and claim to be from the RBI or another government body. The message will typically say something like: 

"Your bank account will be blocked due to credit card fraud. Press 1 to speak to an RBI officer." 

If you fall for this trick and press '1', you'll be connected to scammers who pretend to be real officials. They will then try to get your sensitive personal information. This includes details like your credit card number, CVV (the three-digit code on the back of your card), OTPs (One-Time Passwords), or even your Aadhaar details. They'll claim they need this information to "fix" the supposed problem with your account. 

In some more advanced cases, these fraudsters might even ask you to click on suspicious links or download certain apps. Doing so can give them remote control over your phone or computer, allowing them to access your banking apps and steal your money. 

Why Is This Scam So Dangerous? 

• Fear and Pressure: The scammers use official-sounding voices and create a sense of urgency and fear (e.g., "your account will be blocked").This pushes people to make quick, bad decisions without thinking. 

• Financial Ruin: Once scammers get hold of your sensitive banking details, they can quickly empty your bank accounts, make unauthorized purchases, or misuse your credit information. 

• Deceptive Caller IDs: These calls often use fake caller IDs that look like official numbers, making them seem more trustworthy at first glance.5 

How Can You Protect Yourself? 

Staying safe from this scam is straightforward if you know what to look for: 

• Never Share Sensitive Information: The golden rule is simple: Never share OTPs, card details, CVVs, or Aadhaar numbers over phone calls or messages.6 No legitimate bank or government body will ever ask for these details over the phone. 

• Ignore Suspicious Calls/Messages: If you receive a call or message claiming to be from the RBI asking for personal details, simply ignore it. The RBI never contacts individuals for such information. 

• Do Not Click Links or Install Apps: Be very wary of any caller advising you to click on unknown links or install new apps. These are common tricks to gain access to your device. 

If you believe you have been targeted by a fraud attempt, report it immediately to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930. 

You can also report such scams via: 

• WhatsApp: +91 8799711259 

• Email: factcheck@pib.gov.in 

Read more: What Happens if You Miss EPFO UAN Activation Deadline? 

Conclusion 

The RBI never calls asking for personal banking details. This is a scam designed to instill fear and steal your money. Stay vigilant, never share your OTPs or card details over the phone, and report any suspicious activity to cybercrime.gov.in. Your awareness is your best defense. 
 
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