India’s largest public sector lender, State Bank of India, has released an important advisory warning customers about rising phone-based scams and clarifying how to identify legitimate calls from the bank. As cyber fraud incidents continue to grow nationwide, the bank has urged account holders to stay vigilant and understand which numbers can be trusted.

Official Numbers Customers Can Trust

In a recent announcement shared through its official communication channels, the bank stated that calls originating from numbers starting with +91-1600 are authentic and belong to SBI’s authorized systems. According to the bank, these numbers are used solely for official banking communication, including transaction alerts, service-related updates, or customer verification.

The clarification was issued to help customers distinguish genuine calls from fraudulent ones. Many scammers impersonate bank officials to extract sensitive details such as OTPs, PINs, or account information. By identifying official number patterns, customers can avoid falling victim to such schemes.

Why the Bank Issued This Warning

Phone scams have surged in recent years, with fraudsters increasingly using sophisticated tactics to trick people into revealing confidential information. Criminals often create panic by posing as bank officers, claiming that an account is blocked, under investigation, or at risk. They then pressure victims into sharing personal details or transferring money.

SBI emphasized that its goal is to prevent such incidents by educating customers. The bank reiterated that security remains its top priority and that awareness is one of the strongest defenses against financial fraud.

Key Safety Advice for Customers

The bank has issued a set of precautions every account holder should follow:

• Never share OTPs, ATM PINs, CVV numbers, or passwords over the phone.
• Avoid engaging with unsolicited or suspicious calls.
• Do not click on unknown links received via SMS or messaging apps.
• If unsure about a call, disconnect and contact the bank directly through official channels.

The advisory highlights that genuine bank representatives will never request confidential credentials. Any caller asking for such details should immediately be treated as suspicious.

Rising Fraud Cases Prompt Stronger Awareness Campaigns

The alert comes at a time when financial scams through calls and messages are becoming more frequent. Fraudsters often target elderly customers or individuals unfamiliar with digital banking systems. By impersonating officials, they attempt to build trust and manipulate victims into acting quickly without verification.

SBI has been actively running awareness initiatives, using campaigns and social media hashtags such as #StaySafeWithSBI and #FraudAwareness, to educate the public about common scam methods and preventive steps.

Real Example Shows Importance of Vigilance

A case from last year illustrates how awareness and quick thinking can prevent fraud. In that incident, bank staff intervened just in time to stop an elderly customer from transferring money to a scammer posing as an official. The fraudster had attempted to frighten the customer by claiming he was under “digital arrest” and needed to comply immediately.

Thanks to the alertness of branch employees, the suspicious situation was identified and halted before any financial loss occurred. The incident demonstrated how trained staff and informed customers together form a strong defense against cybercrime.

Training and Preparedness Inside the Bank

SBI noted that its employees receive regular training in fraud detection and cyber-security awareness. Staff members are taught to recognize suspicious patterns, assist customers in verifying communications, and act quickly when a potential scam is identified. This internal preparedness complements customer awareness efforts and strengthens overall protection.

Awareness Remains the Best Protection

The bank’s latest advisory reinforces a simple but crucial message: informed customers are less likely to become victims. Understanding which calls are legitimate, staying cautious with unknown contacts, and verifying information directly with official sources can significantly reduce risk.

As digital banking continues to expand, experts stress that awareness and vigilance are the most effective tools for safeguarding personal finances. SBI’s guidance serves as a timely reminder that while technology makes banking easier, it also requires customers to remain alert and informed at all times.