Fake Bank SMS Scam in India: How It Works and How to Stay Safe

 What Is the Fake Bank SMS Scam?

This scam involves fraudsters sending fake SMS messages that look like real bank alerts. They claim they accidentally sent you money and then emotionally manipulate you into sending them money back — even though you never actually received anything.

How This Scam Works — Step by Step

1. Scammer Calls You

You get a call from an unknown number. The scammer says:

“Bhaiya ne bola tha ₹20,000 bhejna hai. Main bhej raha hoon aapke account mein.”

They try to sound helpful and trustworthy, as if they’re doing a favor on behalf of someone you know.

2. Fake Bank SMS Sent

They never actually transfer any money.

Instead, they send a message like:

This looks like a bank alert, but it’s just a manually typed SMS from a normal phone number.

3. Then Another Fake SMS

After a few minutes, they send another fake SMS:

Now they claim:

“Galti se ₹20,000 aur bhej diya. Total ₹38,000 ho gaya. Aap ₹18,000 wapas bhej do please.”

4. The Trap: You Send Money Back

You believe their story because of the fake SMS and assume you’ve received ₹38,000.
In guilt or fear, you transfer ₹18,000 or more to their account or UPI ID.

But in truth:

• You never received a single rupee.

• You just got tricked into giving away your own money.

⚠️ Signs It’s a Scam

• Bank SMS is from a normal number, not a verified sender (like AXISBK, HDFCBK, SBIINB, etc.)

• You did not receive any real credit in your banking app or UPI app.

• The caller creates urgency or pretends to be emotional (“bhaiya se daant padegi”, “galti se 20 hazaar chala gaya”).

How to Stay Safe from the Fake Bank SMS Scam

✅ 1. Ignore Any SMS from 10-digit Mobile Numbers

Real bank messages never come from personal numbers.

✅ 2. Always Check Your Bank Balance or UPI History

Use official apps like Paytm, PhonePe, Google Pay, or your net banking to verify actual credits.

✅ 3. Do Not Send Any Money Back Without Proof

If you didn’t receive anything, do not return anything. Simple.

✅ 4. Never Act in Hurry

Fraudsters want you to panic or act fast. Take your time, ask questions, and verify.

✅ 5. Report the Scam

If you fall victim or spot such a scam:

• 📞 Call 1930 (Cybercrime Helpline)

• 🌐 Report at cybercrime.gov.in

• 📲 Block and report the number on Truecaller

🧾 Real Cases Reported

Many users across India have posted screenshots of such fake messages. One user shared:

“They called saying my cousin asked them to send ₹10,000. Then sent a fake SMS and asked for refund. Luckily, I verified first.”

🔗 Also read: Digital Arrest Scam in India – How This New Fraud Is Tricking People

Conclusion: Don’t Fall for Fake Bank SMS Scams

This fake bank SMS scam is spreading rapidly, targeting innocent people who want to do the right thing. Always remember — a real bank transfer will always reflect in your official app or passbook. Never trust SMS alone.

Stay smart. Stay safe. And spread awareness by sharing this blog.