Stay Alert! Don't Fall Victim to Fraud Bank Calls
21 June, 2024
Synopsis
Stay vigilant against fraudulent bank calls by verifying caller details and urgency.
Verify suspicious calls through questions and two-step authentication requests.
Report any doubtful bank calls to authorities and protect personal information.
In the era of digital communication, the increase in fraud bank calls complaints has been notable, particularly during these times when online transactions have become more prevalent. Here's how you can stay vigilant and safeguard yourself against such deceptive practices.
How Should You Identify Suspicious Communication?
Here are a few signs that the bank call might be fake:
Unofficial contact details: Genuine bank communications will typically come from official channels, not random phone numbers. Be wary of messages or calls that don't use official bank IDs. HDFC Bank will only send SMS from the ID HDFCBK or HDFCBN, and the official links will start with hdfcbk.io.
Urgency and pressure tactics: Fraudsters often create a sense of urgency. Unlike genuine bank fraud calls, they might try to scare you into immediate action. Stay calm and think before you act.
Grammatical errors: Look out for spelling or grammatical mistakes. Official bank communications are usually error-free, while fraudulent texts from banks might contain poorly constructed sentences and suspicious links.
Requests for personal information: Be cautious of any call or message asking for sensitive personal data. A genuine bank call won't ask for such details outright.
Always be wary if the call feels unsolicited or if the caller refuses to provide verifiable contact details.
What are the Techniques Used in Fraudulent Calls?
Fake bank calls can be categorised into the following:
Foot-in-the-door technique: Scammers might start by asking for seemingly harmless information, gradually moving towards more sensitive data.
Face-in-the-door technique: This involves initially asking a large, invasive question and, upon refusal, following up with a smaller yet significant request.
How Should You Handle and Report Suspicious Calls?
Here’s how you can deal with suspicious calls:
Questioning: If in doubt, ask questions. A legitimate caller will respond appropriately, while a fake call from bank might evade direct answers.
Two-step authentication request: Even if not available, ask for it. It's an effective way to gauge the authenticity of the call. Typically, you can opt for two-factor authentication (2FA) where, along with your standard PIN or password, you can set an additional factor for authentication. 2FA is also a convenient way to minimise the financial risks associated with fake calls.
Reporting: If you suspect a fraud call, report it immediately to your bank and relevant authorities.
How Should You Enhance Personal Security?
Here’s how you can keep yourself safe from such fraudsters:
Awareness: Stay informed about the common tactics used in bank fraud calls.
Verification: Always double-check with your bank if you receive any suspicious communication.
Confidentiality: Never share personal information, especially in response to unsolicited calls or messages.
What Happens if You Answer a Fake Call?
Answering a fake call can potentially expose you to fraudsters who may try to manipulate you into sharing personal information or financial details.
Sometimes, just answering can signal to scammers that your number is active, possibly leading to more spam calls.
How To Complain About a Fake Call
To complain about a fake call, report it to your bank instantly.
Additionally, if you’re a victim of cybercrimes due to fake calls, you can file a complaint with your local police station and report the call to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) in India.
By staying informed and cautious, you can effectively navigate the complex landscape of online communication and protect yourself from potential fraud calls from banks. Remember, your security starts with you.
Join Vigil Army, where Vigil Aunty will decode various frauds and give people a heads-up on the dos and don’ts of combating frauds online. To join the Vigil Army, send ‘Hi’ to her via WhatsApp number: 7290030000.
Disclaimer: *Terms and conditions apply. The information provided in this article is generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances.
