Summary of this article
PIB Fact Check flagged fake SBI reward message circulating online.
SBI never sends APK files through SMS or WhatsApp.
Avoid unknown links and verify offers through official channels.
If you receive a message claiming your SBI reward points are about to expire and it asks you to instal an APK file on your mobile, do not click on the link. The Press Information Bureau's (PIB) Fact Check unit has flagged such messages as fake, and has cautioned that fraudsters are circulating such messages to mislead bank customers. The message shows that users have reward points worth Rs 9,980 waiting to be redeemed and urges them to instal an application named "SBI REWARD27.apk" to receive the amount in their bank account.
PIB Fact Check has clarified that the message is not issued by the State Bank of India (SBI). It also said that SBI never sends links or unsolicited APK files through SMS or WhatsApp to redeem reward points.
What Are APK Scams
Like most fake messages this one too focuses on the sense of urgency, in this case, of expiring reward points to pressure users into taking immediate action. The attached APK file in the message is designed such a way that to that it seems like an official SBI rewards app.
For the uninitiated, an APK is an Android application package used for installing apps on mobiles. APKs are not inherently dangerous, but they could be used to hack into banking information, passwords, personal information, and other information stored on a phone upon installation.
What Can Users Do To Protect Themselves
PIB Fact Check has urged people to not download any unknown files or click on links received through unsolicited SMS or WhatsApp messages. Any message that appears to be from a bank should be checked on the bank’s official website, mobile application or customer care before taking any action.
Banking apps should only be downloaded from trusted app stores and should not be downloaded when sent through SMS or messaging apps.
Scammers often lure users by promising attractive cashbacks, reward points, or limited-time offers, baiting them to act without verifying the authenticity of the claim. Another method employed to encourage people to click on links or provide personal information is to claim that rewards are about to expire soon.
If you get a message like this, do not open the attachment or click on the link. It is advisable to report the message to the bank. Deleting it after reporting it can reduce chances of accidental downloads.
