SBI Reward Points Scam: Govt Issues Warning On 'Expiring Points' - See Full Post

The government has issued a critical alert regarding a fraudulent scheme targeting customers of the State Bank of India (SBI). The scam revolves around fake messages claiming the expiration of SBI reward points and lures victims into downloading malicious APK files.  

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check team took to Twitter to debunk the claims and warned users against falling prey to such schemes. 

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/AbVtZdQ490 pic.twitter.com/oQjxjnbaWU

— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) January 14, 2025

In a tweet, PIB Fact Check said SBI never sends links or APK files over SMS or WhatsApp. It also urged users to avoid downloading unknown files or clicking on unsolicited links.

Accompanying the tweet was an image illustrating a sample fraudulent message that scammers are using to deceive unsuspecting individuals.  

How the scam works

The fraudulent message falsely claims that the user has a significant amount of SBI NetBanking reward points (e.g., ₹9,980). It urges them to redeem these points by installing a fake app through an APK file named "SBI REWARD27.apk." The message appears authentic by mimicking SBI’s branding, but the contents are riddled with spelling errors and dubious instructions.  

The sample message reads: "Dear Value Custom, Your SBI NetBanking Reward Points (₹9,980.00) expire today! Now Redeem REWARD App Install & claim your reward by cash deposit in your account. Thank you, Team SBI."  

What you should do

To safeguard yourself from such frauds, always verify messages claiming to be from SBI or any other financial institution. SBI does not send unsolicited links or APK files through SMS or WhatsApp, so it is essential to cross-check such communications with official sources. Avoid downloading APK files or any other attachments from unknown or unverified sources, as these could contain malware or phishing software. If you receive such suspicious messages, promptly report them to SBI and your local cybercrime unit to help curb these fraudulent activities and protect others.