Robocall pretending to be RBI threatens to block your account
An automated voice message claims to be from the RBI, threatening your bank account or PAN card will be blocked unless you press 1 or call back immediately. A live agent then extracts your OTP, card number, or banking password.
Also known as: fake RBI call, RBI voicemail scam, RBI vishing, automated RBI threat call, fake RBI account block call
Already happened to you? Do this in the next few minutes
Call 1930 now- 1 Call 1930 — the national cyber-crime helpline — right now. The sooner you report, the better the chance of freezing the money before it moves.
- 2 Call your bank to freeze the account and block the card immediately. Use the number printed on your card, never a number from the message or caller.
- 3 File a report at cybercrime.gov.in and keep every message, screenshot, and transaction ID.
What to do right now
- 1 Do not press any key and do not call back the number — hang up immediately
- 2 Call your bank directly using the number printed on the back of your card or on their official website
- 3 Never share OTP, CVV, full card number, or internet banking password with anyone calling you, regardless of who they claim to be
- 4 Block the number and report it by forwarding the SMS to 1909 (TRAI's spam-reporting line)
- 5 Report at https://cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930 (national cyber helpline).
Red flags
- ⚠ RBI never calls individuals to threaten account suspension or card blocking — this is not how the Reserve Bank operates
- ⚠ Legitimate bank and RBI communications are sent via official SMS short-codes or letters, never automated voicemails
- ⚠ The message creates extreme urgency ('your account will be blocked in 2 hours') to stop you thinking clearly
- ⚠ Pressing 1 or calling back connects you to a fraudulent call centre, not the RBI
- ⚠ The live agent asks for OTP, CVV, full card number, or banking password — information no legitimate authority needs
Known variants
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RBI senior official impersonates: caller poses as RBI General Manager offering to recover ₹1–5 crore from lapsed insurance policies. Processing fees, verification charges, GST deposits demanded in installments over months/years. Forged RBI letters sent via WhatsApp. Kanpur: ₹95 lakh over 4 years.
Last seen: 6/1/2026
Sources
- PIB Fact Check — Fake RBI Voicemail Scam Warning
- Business Standard — Fake RBI voicemail seeks people's bank details
- RBI — Cautions public against fictitious offers
- The Quint — Fake RBI Automated Call Scam Explained
- The420.in — RBI GM Impersonation Scam: Retired Engineer Duped of ₹95 Lakh
- PIB Fact Check / ANI — RBI did not send account suspension notices via APK files on WhatsApp (June 11, 2026)