Fact Check: Is RBI asking for personal info via mails, letters & SMS? PIB clarifies

Recently, several people claimed to have received messages from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) via mails, SMS and letters asking for personal details. Doubting the message, several users have taken to social media platforms to confirm it. Reacting to 'RBI's communication', PIB has issued a clarification.

The email that people received claimed: "Your email address was listed on Reserve Bank of India promotional program 2021, it has won (1 Crore 60 lakh)...as COVID-19 compensation."

Some individuals also received a 'Certificate of Deposit' with an RBI letterhead, which said that the receiver has won more than Rs 8 crore. If further asked the receiver to transfer Rs 19,900 as RBI's transfer fee.

Refuting the claim, the PIB Fact Check handle informed that RBI never contacts the public asking for any type of personal information. If further said that the central bank does not send any email intimating award of lottery funds. It also does not issue any payment notification, PIB said.

"Fraudsters impersonating as RBI send #Fake messages via mails, letter and SMS. Beware! and don't fall prey to financial frauds," the government asked people to protect themselves from financial frauds in name of RBI.

PIB warns against fake messages in the name of RBI

• RBI does not hold any accounts for individuals. Beware of impersonated names of RBI officials.
• RBI does not send any SMS/letter or Email to communicate about lottery offers or funds.
• The only official website of the Reserve Bank of India is https://www.rbi.org.in.

In September, several people claimed to have received a message from RBI about receiving Rs 4.62 crore in return on an investment of only Rs 12,500. However, no such claim was made by the Reserve Bank of India and the PIB fact check called it fake. 

PIB Fact Check is the government of India's initiative to counter misinformation on government schemes and policies. If you come across any such development, you can reach PIB at sociamedia@pib.gov.in or +918799711259.