Don't become a victim of cyber scams! Looking for bank customer care numbers? SBI Warning - Here's How To Stay Safe

The State Bank of India (SBI) has warned customers not to search the internet for the bank’s customer care number as fraudsters use fake helpline records to trick people into sharing sensitive data or transferring money.

SBI says customers should get customer support details only from the bank’s official website and not from any third-party source. This alert is part of a special National Cyber Security Month 6.0 campaign to promote safe digital banking practices and help people recognize and avoid online fraud.

In a post on X dated October 20, 2026, SBI said:

“National Cyber Security Month Special Campaign 6.0 Looking for customer care number? Only visit official website of respective organization for any support or customer care number details. Stay alert, stay safe!! @DFS_India @DARPG_GoI @Cyberdost”

The post includes a 1:02 minute video that shows how these scams work. He explains that searching for “customer service” or “local business number” and calling for the best result can lead to financial loss.

How does the fake customer care number scam work?

The customer searches for the bank’s helpline and clicks on the best result because the name matches. The person answering sounds professional, but the listing may be fake, created by scammers to gain trust. They can then ask for bank details, request a payment, or ask the customer to download an app. One wrong move can mean losing money.

Scammers can post fake numbers on websites, online directories and social networks. Once the customer calls, the fraudster may impersonate a bank official or representative to obtain sensitive information or convince the victim to transfer funds to other accounts. Customers who lose money due to fraud should also be aware of the RBI rules on bank liability and compensation.

How can customers avoid fake customer care numbers?

Use the official website: Make sure you only use your bank’s official website. Visit the website and check the “Contact Us” tab. You will get complete details only there. Do not rely on unverified sources.
Avoid suspicious listings: Don’t blindly trust numbers listed on random websites, online portals, third-party apps, sponsored search results, or unverified social media posts.
Beware of impersonation: Fraudsters can impersonate bank officials, RBI or ED officials or other top officials to get sensitive financial information like CVV, OTP, ATM PIN etc. or trick customers into transferring money.
Never share confidential information: Do not discuss or share your ATM PIN, Internet Banking password, CVV cards or One Time Password (OTP) with anyone claiming to be a bank representative. No bank ever requests such data in any complaint or dispute resolution process.
Before proceeding, verify: If the caller threatens to close your account, requests sensitive information, asks you to install something unknown APK file or app, or asks you to transfer money to quickly resolve the dispute, disconnect the call and contact the bank through the official channel.

What should you do if you suspect fraud?

Don’t panic. Contact your bank immediately and report the incident to National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or call 1930, the national cybercrime helpline.

SBI counseling follows one rule: verify before you call. Take a few minutes to confirm the customer care number on the official website that will protect your money from financial crime and your personal data from misuse.