Alert! WhatsApp message asking you to update your Aadhaar can drain your bank account: How to stay safe

Fraudsters are once again targeting bank customers by spreading misleading messages on WhatsApp. This time, the message claims that users must update their Aadhaar details or risk having their mobile banking app blocked. While the claim is being shared in the name of the State Bank of India, the warning has raised wider concerns. The government’s fact-checking agency has confirmed that the message is fake, but similar messages are already being circulated in the names of other banks as well. This makes the scam more dangerous, as users may assume it is a routine banking update. Authorities have urged people to stay alert and not act in panic when such messages appear on their phones.

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The message being circulated says that a user’s SBI YONO account will be blocked if Aadhaar details are not updated immediately. It asks customers to download and install an APK file sent through WhatsApp to complete the update. The message uses urgent language and appears to be an official notice, which makes it look convincing. In some cases, it also warns users that services may stop by the same day if action is not taken. The APK file is described as an Aadhaar or KYC update tool, but it is actually designed to steal personal and banking details once installed.

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In response, State Bank of India took to the social media platform X to warn its customers and advised them to think before clicking on any such links. The bank also clarified that fraudsters are sending fake APK links in the name of app updates to steal money. Furthermore, the bank advised users not to click, download, or update apps through links received via WhatsApp, SMS, or email, and emphasized that official banking apps should only be downloaded or updated from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Customers were also urged to report cybercrime by calling the national helpline number 1930.

The claim was also fact-checked by the Press Information Bureau under its PIB Fact Check initiative. PIB confirmed that the message is fake and misleading. It clarified that SBI does not ask customers to update Aadhaar or KYC details by downloading APK files or through unsolicited messages. PIB advised people not to share personal, banking, or Aadhaar information with unknown sources. It also asked users to report such phishing messages to SBI through its official reporting channels.

What users should do to stay safe from this WhatsApp scam

Here are simple steps that you can follow to stay safe from this scam:

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• Avoid downloading files or apps claiming to be urgent bank updates sent over WhatsApp, SMS, or email.
• Make sure not to click on links or enter your account details and OTP in links that don’t end with ‘.bank.in.’
• If you want to download or update any banking apps, only do it using the Play Store on Android and the App Store on an iOS device.
• Under any circumstances, you should not share your Aadhaar, OTP, PIN, or banking details with unknown messages or callers.
• Verify messages that say urgent with the bank’s official website or social media handles. You can also call the customer care of your bank and check with them.
• If you receive a suspicious message, immediately report it to the cybercrime helpline at 1930 or the bank’s official email.