Kohima, May 31 (MExN): The Nagaland Police today cautioned State Bank of India (SBI) customers against the new modus operandi used by fraudsters by sending fake APKs and messages over SMS or WhatsApp for redeeming SBI reward points.
Sharing an update by the SBI regarding the same issue, on X, formerly Twitter, the Nagaland Police stated that a message with header “SBI rewardz” along with the link to download ‘SBI REWARD APP’ is being circulated.
“It Is A Fraud; Do Not Download,” it cautioned.
The SBI had initially issued the scam alert on May 18, cautioning its customers against circulation of such messages by fraudsters.
The SBI will never share links or unsolicited APKs over SMS or WhatsApp, it then clarified.
“It is observed that fraudsters are sending APKs and messages over SMS or WhatsApp for redeeming SBI reward points. Please note that SBI will never share links or unsolicited APKs over SMS or WhatsApp. Do not click on any such links or download unknown files,” stated the SBI update on X.
What is APK?
APK, short for “Android Package Kit,” is the file format utilized for distributing and installing applications on devices running the Android operating system, including Android mobiles.
Whenever users download an application from the Google Play Store or alternative sources, they are essentially obtaining an APK file.
While APKs are typically embedded by default when downloading from the Google Play Store, certain websites provide direct APK file downloads, allowing users to manually install apps.
These directly downloaded files can be easily shared among users on many platforms, facilitating quick dissemination and installation of applications outside of official app stores.
Is there an SBI Rewardz prog?
Yes, there is an SBI Rewardz programme. However, the genuine SBI Rewardz programme is significantly different from what fraudsters are utilizing.
According to the FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) on the SBI website, the ‘Rewardz’ programme is an “endeavor to reward our Debit Card holders for using their State Bank of India Debit Card to pay for products and services.”
The benefits include rewards with points for every transaction using the debit card. Each point is valued at 25 paisa.
“These Reward Points can be used to redeem a wide range of products and services like merchandise, movie tickets, mobile/DTH recharge, airline tickets, hotel booking, and much more. The more you transact, the more you get rewarded!” the FAQs stated.
Customers can become a member of SBI Rewardz by activating their account on https://rewardz.sbi/. The links to the official mobile application for both Android and Apple operating systems are available on the website.
Once registered, a customer is automatically enrolled in the SBI Rewardz programme.
A customer care number for SBI Rewardz at 1800-209-8500 operates “7 days a week, 24 hours a day,” the FAQs added.
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