A new voicemail scam impersonating the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is spreading across the country, prompting an official warning from PIB Fact Check. Fraudsters are sending automated calls claiming users’ bank accounts will be blocked due to credit card fraud, attempting to steal sensitive financial information.
Key Takeaways
- PIB Fact Check confirms RBI impersonation voicemails are a complete scam
- RBI never sends unsolicited calls requesting personal details or verification
- Do not share card details, PIN, or OTP with unknown callers
- Report suspicious messages to official PIB Fact Check channels
How the RBI Voicemail Scam Operates
Scammers use spoofed government or bank caller IDs to send panic-inducing voicemails. The automated message claims the recipient’s credit card has been involved in fraudulent activities and their bank account risks being blocked. This creates urgency to make victims share personal banking details or one-time passwords.
PIB Fact Check explicitly states: “This is a scam.” The official handle confirmed that the RBI never sends such voicemail warnings or asks customers to verify details through unsolicited calls.
Safety Measures Against Banking Scams
- Do not trust any unsolicited calls or voicemails claiming to represent RBI, banks, or government bodies
- Banks and RBI never ask for personal information, PIN, or OTP through calls or messages
- Verify directly with your bank using official contact details when receiving alarming financial messages
- Enable bank alerts and keep your mobile number updated for secure communication
Reporting Suspicious Messages
To combat misinformation and fraud, PIB encourages citizens to report suspicious government-related messages through official channels:
- WhatsApp: +91 8799711259
- Email: factcheck@pib.gov.in
The fact-check team verifies reported content and responds to help users stay protected from circulating online fraud.
