Got WhatsApp message from RBI? Don’t tap on it or you will lose your entire life savings
Follow UsPIB has warned users about fake RBI messages on WhatsApp carrying harmful APK files.
Scammers try to scare people with account block warnings to steal personal and banking details.
Avoid downloading unknown files and always verify such alerts with your bank.
The scams on WhatsApp are increasing at a very fast pace, and several people have fallen into their trap because they lack proper knowledge about the issue. This new scam is being carried out using the name of RBI (Reserve Bank of India). The perpetrators of the crime will send some misleading WhatsApp messages to the user in which APK files will be sent, and they will threaten the user, saying that their accounts have been blocked and they need their credentials. The government authorities have warned citizens against this phishing attack.
SurveyWhat did the government say?
According to the official PIB Fact Check X handle, scammers are circulating WhatsApp messages that appear to be from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and contain an APK file attachment.
RBI PHISHING SCAM ‼️
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) June 11, 2026
Did you also receive a #WhatsApp message in the name of RBI, along with an APK file , alleging that your bank account is linked to suspicious transactions and asking for financial details to avoid account blockage ❓
#PIBFactCheck:
❌ This message is… pic.twitter.com/XoA4lBaVo8
The message shared on WhatsApp states that the Reserve Bank of India has issued a notice concerning unusual transaction activity linked to your account. It further states that, for risk control measures, the bank could potentially restrict or suspend your account. It advises the recipient to have the finance department review the details contained in the notice and cooperate with any required procedures.
PIB has clarified that the RBI does not send such messages via WhatsApp or ask customers to share personal or financial information through the platform.
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How the scam works
In this case, the hackers have used fear and urgency to force the recipients to act immediately. They create a sense of urgency in the message by warning the victims about possible account freezing or restriction from using their banking accounts should they not act immediately.
The hackers ask the victims to provide their banking details or even to download an APK file that they attach to the email message. This APK file contains a malicious application for the victims’ Android device. Once the application is installed, it accesses private and sensitive data such as banking credentials and passwords.
These phishing messages try to mimic official messages sent by the RBI. In cybersecurity, phishing attacks involve making victims feel urgent and fearful so that they become vulnerable.
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How to stay safe
Here are some of the simple steps one can follow to stay safe:
- One should not download the APK files sent by strangers.
- Do not click on links that appear suspicious on WhatsApp, SMS, or emails.
- It is important never to exchange financial information through any messaging app.
- Check any warning related to the bank account with the bank itself.
- Make sure that your device’s operating system and software are up-to-date.
- If one receives any such message, they must block the sender right away.
- The user receiving such a message must delete the message at once and notify their friends and relatives to prevent them from being victims of the fraud.
