Explainer: New Voicemail Scam Impersonating RBI

A new wave of fraud is spreading across India, and this time scammers are using voicemail messages impersonating the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to deceive unsuspecting citizens. The Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) Fact Check unit has formally alerted the public about this developing threat, confirming that the circulating voicemail claims are entirely fake.

What Is the Viral Claim?

Many users across India have reported receiving automated calls or voicemail recordings claiming to be from the RBI.
The message typically warns:

• Your bank account will be blocked
• Your credit card is linked to fraudulent activity
• You must verify your personal details immediately

The voicemail tries to create panic and urgency, pushing users to follow instructions—usually by sharing sensitive banking details or OTPs.

What is the scam?

PIB Fact Check has stated clearly:

• RBI does NOT send voicemail warnings.
• RBI does NOT call customers asking for verification.
• RBI NEVER asks for card numbers, PINs, OTPs, or bank login details.

The viral message is 100% fake and is designed solely to trick people into revealing confidential information.

How This Scam Operates

Scammers use several deceptive techniques:

1. Caller ID Spoofing

Fraudsters may manipulate their number so it appears to originate from a bank or government authority, making the call seem legitimate.

2. Pre-Recorded Threatening Messages

The voicemail claims your account is under threat, prompting immediate action.

3. Data Harvesting

Once a user responds, the scammer may ask for:

• Account numbers
• Credit/debit card details
• CVV or PIN
• Aadhaar numbers
• OTPs

Sharing any of these can result in instant unauthorized transactions.

4. Fake “Secure Accounts”

In some cases, victims are told to transfer money to a “safe RBI account,” which is actually controlled by the scammers.

Why This Scam Works

Fraudsters rely on fear and urgency.
When people believe their bank account is at risk, they often act quickly without verifying the source of information.

How to Protect Yourself

✔ Ignore and delete such voicemails
✔ Never share bank details, PINs, or OTPs
✔ Do not call back numbers from unknown voicemail alerts
✔ Contact your bank directly using official customer care numbers
✔ Report suspicious messages to cybercrime.gov.in

What RBI Actually Says About Such Calls

The RBI frequently reiterates that:

• It never seeks personal banking information from customers
• It does not threaten account blockage through calls or voicemails
• All official communication is posted via trusted channels and bank notifications, not random messages

If You’ve Already Responded

If you shared any sensitive information:

1. Immediately contact your bank
2. Block your card or freeze your account
3. Report the fraud at: https://cybercrime.gov.in
4. Monitor all bank activity for unauthorized transactions

Quick action can limit or even prevent monetary loss.

Factcheck India Conclusion

This voicemail alert claiming to be from the RBI is fake, fraudulent, and part of a larger scam attempting to steal people’s financial information. Always stay alert and verify suspicious communication through official channels.

FactCheck India urges readers to remain cautious and help spread awareness to prevent more victims from falling prey to this evolving scam.