Beware of fake calls, warns SBP

ISLAMABAD: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has once again advised bank customers not to share personal information on fake calls on the pretext of biometric verification.

“It has come to our knowledge that fraudsters are attempting to defraud the banking customers by seeking bank account details on the pretext of biometric verification,” the central bank said in a press statement.

In many cases, this is being done through fake calls by masking the official helpline or registered numbers of banks, it added.

The receivers apparently believe that the call is genuine or from the bank and share their personal information including bank Account Number, ID, Password, CNIC Number, etc. resulting in loss of funds even during the calls.

The fraudsters generally impersonate as officials of State Bank of Pakistan, Army Officer or representative of Superior Courts of law, etc on pretext of biometric verification of accounts.

“In this context, public is advised to immediately contact their banks on their registered numbers/helpline themselves instead of responding the incoming calls and sharing their credentials,” it added.

It is informed that SBP/Banks/Micro Finance Banks do not conduct biometric verification of Banks’ existing customers through telephone calls, it said adding that if public receive any such call, they may share details of these cases/incidents with law enforcement agencies or SBP helpline at 021-111-727-273 or email at cpd.helpdesk@sbp.org.pk.