Have you recently received a WhatsApp message claiming to be from Union Bank of India? Did it ask you to verify your KYC details or update your account information? Beware, you could get trapped in the Union Bank WhatsApp Scam.
Such messages might seem to be harmless, but they can be part of a sophisticated scam designed to steal your personal and financial data.
Wondering how?
Here is the complete detail of how the scam works and how you can protect yourself from getting trapped.
The Modus Operandi Behind the Union Bank WhatsApp Scam
Fraudsters target people with business account WhatsApp scam by using a bank’s name.
They then use the account to send messages to people using a formal & professional tone. Once the user gets trapped, they ask them to verify their KYC details, update account information, or avoid service disruptions.
To add credibility, scammers often use profile pictures with official-looking IDs or bank logos. Most of the time, scammers may even follow up with WhatsApp video calls to create urgency and build trust.
These calls are often used to reassure the victim that the request is legitimate. People generally pick the call, as most of them don’t consider questioning themselves: Can anyone hack WhatsApp video call?
While the call itself may not be hacked, scammers often use the opportunity to blackmail the victim into sharing private data or installing malicious applications, allowing remote access to their phone.
Once the fraudster steals data like OTPs, account numbers, or Aadhaar and PAN details, he swiftly executes unauthorized transactions or clone the victim’s identity for future frauds.
Why This Scam Is So Effective
One of the main reasons this scam works is the increasing use of WhatsApp as a communication channel by individuals and businesses. Messages are often designed to trigger panic or urgency, such as:
- “Your account will be blocked in 24 hours due to KYC failure.”
- “Click here to verify your UPI to continue receiving payments.”
These fraudulent WhatsApp messages closely mimic real bank notifications, making it difficult for unsuspecting users to tell the difference.
Scammers are also leveraging technical tricks like call forwarding and social engineering to bypass standard security features.
Official Warnings and Customer Action
Union Bank of India has issued public warnings advising customers not to respond to any suspicious messages on WhatsApp claiming to be from the bank.
They clarified that the bank does not request sensitive information like OTPs, passwords, or KYC documents over WhatsApp or any other informal channel.
If you receive such a message:
- Do not share any personal or banking details.
- Avoid clicking on any suspicious links or downloading unknown files.
- Report the number to WhatsApp and alert your nearest Union Bank branch.
- Take action and file a complaint. Register with us now to get assistance in reporting the complaint.
Final Thoughts
The Union Bank WhatsApp scam is a reminder that digital convenience often comes with hidden risks.
As customers increasingly interact with banks online, it’s essential to stay alert and informed.
Always verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent your bank and avoid responding to unverified communication, especially that received on platforms like WhatsApp.
Scammers are using different tactics, including dangerous WhatsApp video call scams. Be aware of the tactics used by scammers may not just protect you from financial loss but can also help safeguard your digital identity.
