New Delhi: The way customers shop, spend, and make payments
is evolving rapidly. Today, digital transactions are no longer limited to a
single channel or moment – customers are increasingly making transactions
across retail and e-commerce platforms, booking travel, paying bills, or
managing everyday expenses. At the same time, the growing digital
footprint has created new opportunities for fraudsters to target unsuspecting
users through increasingly sophisticated methods.
According to the
RBI Annual Report 2025–26, card and
internet fraud accounted for nearly 74% of all reported fraud cases, making
them among the most commonly reported forms of financial fraud in the country. These incidents can cause financial loss, inconvenience,
and emotional distress.
The increasing
frequency of these incidents highlights the importance of awareness and safe
digital financial practices. Customer centric
financial organisations like SBI Card continue to invest in advanced
technology, enhanced security capabilities, 24*7 Live Chat support, and
customer awareness across the ecosystem, to enhance customer protection and
experience. At the same time, it is imperative for the customers to stay
conscious, careful, and adopt mindful habits, to avoid and reduce fraud
incidents.
Commenting on
this, Salila Pande, MD & CEO, SBI
Card, said: “The future of digital payments
and credit card industry will ultimately be shaped by trust. The industry
continues to take key measures, including investing in advanced security
infrastructure, and data protection initiatives, among others. At the same time,
as fraud tactics evolve, customers who understand how scams operate are often
the strongest defence against them. Developing simple habits such as verifying
communication, not disclosing sensitive information, and remaining cautious of
unsolicited requests can significantly reduce customers exposure to fraud.”
According to SBI Card
here are ten actions among others that every customer
should follow, for a safer, smarter, and more confident
payment experience:
1.
Buy
Only on Trusted Platforms: Always purchase from
official brand websites or reliable marketplaces. Avoid clicking on random
links or attachments from fake websites shared via social media or messaging
apps, as they are a common gateway for digital fraud.
2.
Download Applications Only
from Credible Sources: Install mobile
applications only from the official app stores. Avoid downloading APK files or
apps from unknown websites or unverified sources including links shared via
unverified sources through WhatsApp, SMS, email, social media, or QR codes, as
they may contain malware designed to compromise device and personal
information.
3.
Never
Share Personal Details: Individuals should never
share card details, PIN, OTP, or CVV, with anyone and always verify the
authenticity of any call, email, or message before proceeding with
transactions. Never share your card details or phone number while raising
complaint/query on social media platforms. Legitimate organisations never ask
for confidential details.
4.
Prevent
Screen Sharing Fraud: Individuals should avoid
sharing screens of their device such as laptops, desktops, and mobile phones to
any unknown person.
5.
Be
Alert to Phishing Attempts: Stay alert to phishing
emails, messages, and calls claiming your account is suspended, points/offers
are about to expire or fake delivery updates, fake E-challans, tax
notices/penalties. Always verify information/changes with official customer
care representatives. Genuine organisations and credit card issuers never ask
for confidential details like (OTP, CVV, PIN, Passwords, etc.) or messages from
the cardholder.
6.
Verify
Calls Claiming to Represent Financial Institutions:
Fraudsters frequently impersonate and call claiming to be bank officials,
credit card representatives, customer care executives, or financial advisors.
They create urgency or fear while offering services such as card upgrades,
credit limit enhancements, reward redemptions, settlement offers, or account
reactivation. If you receive such a call, disconnect, and contact the
organisation directly using its official customer service channels.
7.
Be
Vigilant of Payment Fraud and Report Suspicious Activity Immediately:
In case you receive any unverified payment or refund reflecting in your
account, always verify whether the amount has been credited before taking any
action. In case you accidentally share sensitive information, click on a
suspicious link, install an unverified application, or notice unauthorized
account activity, immediately contact your bank or card issuer, block the
affected card(s) or account(s), and report the incident to the cybercrime
authorities without delay.
8.
Verify
Offers and Reward Points: Be cautious with
unrealistic discounts, refund notifications, and fraudulent deals, especially
on high-value items, and always verify offers directly with the brand before
making payment. Similarly, check the authenticity of SMS, e-mails, or calls
asking you to redeem reward points by clicking on links or sharing
personal/credit card details, and never proceed without confirming legitimacy.
9.
Enable
Transaction Alerts and Regularly Monitor Accounts:
Activate SMS, email, and mobile application notifications for all card
transactions. You must regularly review account activity and promptly report
any unauthorised or suspicious transactions to your card issuer.
10.
Always
opt for Strong Password: It is extremely
important to update account password regularly. Always choose a strong and
unique password that is different from your e-mail/ social media account
passwords. Never share your password with anyone.
The most
effective defence against digital fraud is not a single tool or technology, but
a combination of awareness, caution, and responsible financial behaviour. As
fraudsters adapt tactics, customers must remain equally proactive in protecting
their personal and financial information. Staying informed and alert enables
customers to use digital payment solutions with greater confidence and
security.