Received call from RBI about bank account blocking? Govt says it’s fake

Have you recently received a voicemail claiming to be from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), warning that your bank account will be blocked due to credit card fraud? If yes, don’t panic, it’s a scam. The government has issued a clear warning against such fraudulent calls, urging people to stay alert. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) Fact Check team clarified that these calls are fake. They stated, “@RBI NEVER contacts the public through unsolicited phone calls/ emails to intimidate them regarding their bank account getting blocked. Do not indulge in such calls.”

How the scam works

The fraudulent voicemail usually starts by claiming, “Your credit card has been involved in fraudulent activity. All bank accounts in your name will be blocked in the next two hours.” The message then prompts the recipient to press nine for more information.

Also read: Govt warns about e-PAN Card scam: Here’s how fake emails tricking people 

What should you do?

• Ignore and block: If you receive such a call, do not press any numbers or engage with the caller. Instead, block the number immediately.
• Verify from official sources: RBI or any legitimate bank will never ask for personal details over unsolicited calls or emails. If you have doubts, contact your bank directly through their official helpline.
• Report the scam: You can report such incidents to the cyber crime portal or your local authorities.

Also read: Mangaluru man loses Rs 6.6 lakh after receiving fake Canara Bank KYC link on WhatsApp

Stay safe from scams

Scammers are becoming increasingly creative, but staying vigilant can help you avoid falling victim. Always remember that genuine organisations like RBI or your bank will never threaten to block your account or demand sensitive information over the phone. Stay informed and spread the word to protect others from this scam. Awareness is your best defence against fraud.