Fake calls pretending to be from banks or official customer care numbers have become very common across India. Many people, especially the elderly and those not used to digital banking, have lost money because they trusted these callers.

These scammers sound very professional. They may say things like “Your account is blocked,” “We need to verify your KYC,” or “You have won cashback from your bank.” They create panic or excitement and then ask for your personal banking details. Once you share that, your money is gone.

This blog on Portal Chakshu is meant to help you understand how these scams work and how you can avoid falling for them.

How Do These Fake Calls Happen?

Most scammers act like they are from a bank, a popular digital payment app, or even the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). They may even call from a number that looks similar to a genuine one. These are the most common tricks:

1. Saying your account has problems: They may tell you your account will be frozen or blocked unless you update KYC immediately.
2. Pretending to give rewards: Messages about “SBI rewards” or “cashback” are fake. They often have links that steal your personal details.
3. Fake RBI warnings: Some scammers say they are from the RBI and that your account is flagged for illegal activity. They try to scare you into giving information.
4. Asking for OTP or PIN: Banks never ask for this on the phone. If someone does, it’s 100% fake.
5. Voice cloning: Now, some scammers even use AI to copy the voice of your family member. They’ll say things like, “I need money urgently. Please send it now.” Always verify before acting.

At Portal Chakshu, we bring such cases to light so people are aware and stay alert.

Real Stories of Bank Call Frauds

These cases are not just stories. They’re happening every day in cities and towns.

Noida Call Centre Scam: A fake call centre in Noida stole ₹6.5 crore by calling people and offering fake bank services. They collected personal data and emptied accounts.

Indore Senior Citizen Incident: In Indore, an 80-year-old retired principal almost lost ₹1 crore. The scammers posed as TRAI and CBI officers. Luckily, bank staff caught the fraud in time and saved her money.

Portal Chakshu regularly shares these real reports to make people aware. These scams don’t just target the rich. Anyone can fall victim.

Signs of a Fake Customer Care Call

Here are some simple ways to spot a scam call:

• You get a call saying your account will be closed unless you act fast.
• The caller asks for your card number, CVV, OTP, or UPI PIN.
• They send a link asking you to download an app or fill a form.
• They say you’ve won a prize or cash reward.
• They talk in a very official tone to scare or confuse you.

If any of these things happen, hang up right away. Then call your bank directly using the number on your passbook or official website.

What You Should Do to Stay Safe?

Let’s look at how you can stay protected from these fake calls.

• Never share your OTP or PIN: No matter how urgent the caller sounds, don’t share these. Even with someone who says they are from the bank.
• Don’t click unknown links: Scam messages may look real, but the links often take you to fake websites or apps. Avoid clicking on anything suspicious.
• Call back using the official number: Always verify. If you get a call about your bank account, hang up and call the bank’s official number yourself.
• Use only official banking apps: Download apps only from Play Store or App Store. Don’t install anything from a message or unknown website.
• Set a family code word: This is helpful. Use a secret word with your family. That way, if someone pretends to be them on a call, you can ask for the word to confirm.
• Report fraud calls: Report any suspicious call at Portal Chakshu or the government’s Sanchar Saathi portal (https://www.sancharsaathi.gov.in/sfc).

What the Government is Doing?

To help people identify genuine calls, the government has introduced a new number series starting with 160. These numbers are for official use by banks and payment apps only. So, if a call is not from a number starting with 160, be extra careful.

Also, banks now warn users regularly through SMS and app notifications. Still, many people don’t notice or understand these warnings. That’s why platforms like Portal Chakshu are important – to explain things in simple language for everyone.

Final Words: Stay Alert, Stay Safe

Scams are growing with technology. But staying safe is still in our hands. Always double-check before taking any action related to your bank account. Talk to your family, especially elders, and make them aware too.

At Portal Chakshu, we believe that the first step to safety is information. We’ll keep sharing news, alerts, and tips that help you keep your money safe.

So, be careful with calls. Think twice before clicking on links. And remember — your OTP, PIN, or password should only stay with you. No one else.

Stay smart. Stay aware. And always stay connected with Portal Chakshu for updates that matter to your bank account and daily life.