Sbi reward scam: here’s what happens if you click that link - the statesman

Sbi reward scam: here’s what happens if you click that link - the statesman

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SBI REWARD SCAM: If you’ve received a text message claiming your SBI NetBanking reward points worth ₹9,980 are about to expire, don’t fall for it. It’s a scam, and you’re not the only one


getting these messages. The message usually reads something like: “Dear Value Customer, Your SBI NetBanking Reward Points (Rs 9980.00) will expire today! Now Redeem through REWARD App.


Install & claim your reward by cash deposit in your account. Thankyou. Team – SBI.” Advertisement Sounds tempting, right? That’s exactly what scammers are banking on, luring you with a


fake sense of urgency and the promise of free money. Advertisement But there’s a catch: once you click on the link and download the app (usually an APK file), you’re opening the door for


cybercriminals to access your phone, steal your data, and potentially drain your bank account. > Beware ‼️ >  > Did you also receive a message asking you to download & install 


an > APK file to redeem SBI rewards❓#PIBFactCheck >  > ❌ @TheOfficialSBI NEVER sends links or APK files over SMS/WhatsApp >  > ✔️Never download unknown files or click on such 


links >  > https://t.co/AbVtZdPwjs pic.twitter.com/aH3MjPVoRB >  > — PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) June 1, 2025 Let’s be clear. State Bank of India (SBI) never sends links, APK


files, or app installation prompts via SMS or WhatsApp. If you receive such a message, it’s fake, no matter how convincing it looks. WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU CLICK? Once you tap that link and


install the “REWARD App,” you could be giving scammers permission to: – Access your contacts and personal messages – Read your OTPs – Record keystrokes (which could include passwords and


PINs) – Gain remote control of your device That’s not just a privacy breach—it’s a full-scale security disaster. HOW TO STAY SAFE 1. Don’t click on suspicious links, especially those


offering rewards or asking for urgent action. 2. Never install unknown APK files. These files can bypass your phone’s security. 3. Check with your bank directly. If in doubt, call SBI


customer care or use the official YONO app. 4. Enable 2FA on your banking apps. This adds an extra layer of security. 5. Report such messages. Forward the suspicious SMS to 1909 or use the


Cybercrime Portal (cybercrime.gov.in). Fraudsters rely on social engineering basically tricking you with believable stories. They use official-sounding language, throw in a large reward


amount, and create a fake deadline (“Your points expire today!”) to pressure you into acting fast without thinking. With more people relying on digital banking, scams like these are only


becoming more frequent and sophisticated. ALSO READ: IGNOU JUNE 2025 TEE ADMIT CARDS OUT AT IGNOU.SAMARTH.EDU.IN: HERE IS HOW YOU CAN DOWNLOAD Advertisement