How HDFC Bank customers can identify fake SMS messages

Many individuals have been duped of their hard earned money, falling prey to fake SMSs. Many bank customers have been receiving messages from random numbers saying that their KYC update with the bank is due. For instance, HDFC Bank customers have been receiving this message: "KYC update is due for HDFC account! Please update it by clicking https://rb.gy/xaotao0 else your account will be blocked thanks.”

The State Bank of India's (SBI) customers have recently been warned by the Public Information Bureau (PIB) about fake messages purporting to be from SBI officials claiming the recipient's YONO account has been disabled.
Also read: HDFC customers: 'KYC update is due for HDFC account', know about latest scam and how to protect yourself
HDFC Bank in a tweet dated Feb 27, “Protect yourself from fraudsters! Always check that messages from HDFC Bank come from the official ID HDFCBK/HDFCBN & links start with http://hdfcbk.io. Do not click on links or respond to unknown numbers requesting PAN/KYC updates or other banking info.”


HDFC Bank has sent an email to its customers alerting them about fake messages and how they can differentiate between a fake and original message.

How the fake or incorrect message looks like


985XXXXXXXXX
Your HDFC NetBanking Account will be blocked today. Please click on the link and update your PAN CARD Number Immediately. https://cutt.ly/hArA1HE

Message from HDFC Bank

HDFCBAANK/HDFCBN/186161
We, at HDFC Bank, are concerned that your Cust ID xx39 is nearing the Re-KYCdue date. Please confirm & update your details quickly and easily using your Aadhaar, here:
Hdfcbank.io/a/d4ak8nv

Here are few things to note, as per the HDFC Bank email.

• Do not respond to any SMS/Whatsapp seeking your Bank Details which is sent from 10-digit number
• HDFC Bank will never ask you to share your OTP, CVV, or any personal details like Aadhaar, & PAN Card number via SMS or Emails.
• Always look out for the HDFC Bank signs
• Never respond to such fake SMSes or Mails
• Report suspicious link within SMS& Email the bank at report.phishing@hdfcbank.com
• To report unauthorized transactions on your account call us on 18002586161 &National Cybercrime helpline number 1930 or visit cybercrime.gov.in

How do fraudsters operate?
According to the HDFC bank website, here is how fraudsters operate
Step 1: Fraudsters impersonate bank employees and send bogus emails to consumers, requesting that they urgently verify or update their account information by clicking on a link in the email.
Step 2: By clicking on the link, the customer is directed to a fake site that appears to be the official Bank website, complete with a web form for the customer to enter his or her personal information.
Step 3: Information so acquired is then used to conduct fraudulent transactions on the customer’s account.

How to report unauthorized transactions Via PhoneBanking
Here’s how you report not done by you through PhoneBanking

• To report credit card/ debit card/ NetBanking/ UPI transactions not done by you, call PhoneBanking or the number in your state if are a Resident Customer.
• For PayZapp Call on 1800 102 9426 or email at cybercell@payzapp.in
• To report credit card/ debit card/ NetBanking/ UPI transactions not done by you, Call on 18002586161.