SBI, HDFC, Kotak Mahindra, PNB, other bank customers beware: Got 'reward point', offer messages? Do this

Bank fraud alert: We often receive messages and e-mails promising bumper prize wins, reward points, expensive gifts, cash vouchers, lotteries, jackpots etc on our bank account number, credit card number or even mobile number. If you have ever been a victim of such case or received such SMS or mail, read on to find how the banks are lending their hands to protect you from frauds by sending alert messages. Always be alert of fake messages promising big rewards if you share personal information. Always follow what the banks like SBI, HDFC, Kotak Mahindra and others suggest. The hackers can escape with your money in seconds. Therefore, the banks are sending alert messages to their customers, pleading them not to share any kind of information for such fake reward promises. 

The banks send these  SMSes to customers to ensure their digital and financial security. They inform people through regular emails and messages that bank officials do not ever ask for personal details like passwords, CVV numbers, ATM pins from users.

According to the banks, these messages contain weblinks asking user's personal information like bank account number, Aadhaar number, net banking passwords, ATM pins, credit card number, CVV number, mobile number etc. These links are created by hackers to commit financial frauds. 

After someone enters his\her personal details on these links, then within few minutes, the customers' bank accounts get debited with huge amounts. Even after several complaints, investigations and inquiries, sometimes it becomes difficult to catch these digital thieves. Therefore banks are alerting their respective customers not to respond to such e-mails or messages.

HDFC Bank says on its official Twitter page, "requesting customers not to share details like CVV number, Credit card pin, net banking password, OTP, card expiry, to anyone." It also says that any HDFC Bank's employee or representative never asks for such details. 

HDFC Bank tweet regarding fraud alerts:

*Source: HDFC Bank official twitter page

With a rise in digital dependency and cashless transactions, these frauds have become common. There are a number of such cases registered customers complain bank officials about promised rewards, jackpots and vouchers. 

Kotak Mahindra Bank also sends an alert message from time to time, to ensure safety and security of hard earned money of their customers. 

SMS by Kotak Mahindra Bank:

*Source: Kotak Mahindra Bank Mobile SMS

Alert flashes on SBI official website:

SBI never asks for confidential information, such as PIN or OTP from customers. Any such call can be made only by a fraudster. Please do share any personal info.

Steps to safeguard your financial transaction online:

Source: SBI official website

What to do:

When you fall prey to such fraud, immediately register a complaint with the nearest police station and inform your bank as well.