If you’ve ever panicked after getting a call saying “Your bank account will be blocked in 24 hours” or an email asking you to “click the link to update your details,” you’re not alone. These fraud calls are everywhere, and they’re getting smarter.
But now, the Indian government has launched a simple tool that can help you confirm whether the caller is real or a scammer. Here’s the explainer in simple words
What’s this new tool? The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has added a new Financial Institution Verification feature to the Sanchar Saathi portal. This feature lets you check whether a phone number, email address, or website link belongs to a bank or financial institution. Why was this tool needed? Financial fraud in India has gone up massively in the last few years. Scammers pretend to be: And they usually threaten you with lines like: Their real goal is to trick you into revealing your OTP, PIN, account details, passwords, or personal information.
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3. If the info is real, the portal shows the official bank details, including the correct website, email, helpline number, and even WhatsApp number (if available). If the number/email isn’t listed → it’s most likely a fraud. Also read: Beware of fake Microsoft emails that look exactly like real
Why this matters Fake bank calls have risen sharply in India. Scammers pretend to be: They often try to trick you into giving OTP, PIN, or account details. Earlier, there was no easy way for regular users to check whether a call or email was genuine. This new portal finally fills that gap. Real-life example: How it can save you Imagine someone calls you claiming to be from SBI and says: Your account will be frozen today. Give us your OTP quickly. Earlier, you had no way to check. Now, simply open the portal and enter the number. You can do the same to verify suspicious emails or website links. Also read: 6 ChatGPT settings worth changing for safer and smarter replies
Limitations you should know While the tool is handy, it’s not fully complete yet. This means the database is still being expanded, and more institutions will need to be added. Why it still matters Even with some gaps, this tool can prevent countless frauds. It gives ordinary users a quick way to confirm whether a call, email, or link is real. If you’re even a little unsure about a message you received, checking it takes just one click and could save you from a major scam.
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