Mangaluru: Many defrauded in ‘bank account unblocking’ scam

Team Udayavani, Jun 16, 2021, 8:27 AM IST

Mangaluru: Many bank account holders in the city have been defrauded of money from their accounts in a new scam.

Accountholders receive messages informing them that their bank accounts have been blocked for some reason and to unblock it they must click on the link sent in the message.

Once they click it, a website, similar to their bank’s website, opens asking them to upload their KYC documents and enter other details.

Fraudsters, using the information received from the accountholders, then go to the bank’s official website and withdraw money after obtaining the OTP received from the accountholders.

Soon after money from the accountholders accounts are deducted.

Some account holders became suspicious when they opened the link and immediately called their banks. The bank officials suggested changing their Net Banking password immediately so that there is no risk.

Speaking to Udayavani, SBI’s Regional Manager here said, “Some customers of our bank have received such messages and links. Many customers have called us and inquired about it. Some have lost money. We have informed our IT and Digital division to respond quickly in such cases. The bank never sends a link for KYC authentication nor does it ask OTPs.”