SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Bank has cautioned customers against fraudulent social media advertisements offering fake senior citizen pension cards, warning that scammers are misusing the bank’s name, logo and branding to deceive people and obtain their personal and banking information.
In a public advisory, the bank said misleading messages were being circulated on social media platforms, including WhatsApp and Telegram, falsely promising special benefits and privileges through purported J&K Bank Senior Citizen Pension Cards.
According to the advisory, fraudsters may advertise attractive offers such as discounts, lounge access and other privileges while claiming that the cards are available without lifetime charges, joining fees or annual fees. They may also impersonate bank employees, former employees, branch managers or government officials to establish credibility and gain the trust of potential victims.
The bank warned that such advertisements could direct customers to unauthorised links, forms or telephone numbers. Victims may subsequently be asked to provide personal information or pay registration, processing or activation charges for cards that may not be genuine.
Customers have been advised not to respond to unsolicited pension card offers, click on unfamiliar application links or download files and applications shared through suspicious messages. The bank also stressed that customers must never disclose their one-time passwords (OTPs), personal identification numbers (PINs), card verification values (CVVs), passwords, card details or internet and mobile banking credentials.
The advisory urged customers to verify the authenticity of any pension card scheme through the bank’s official communication channels and refrain from transferring money to unknown individuals or accounts for card applications or activation.
The bank has also outlined steps for customers who may have fallen victim to such fraud. Those who have disclosed banking credentials or made fraudulent transactions have been advised to contact their nearest J&K Bank branch or call customer care on 1800 890 2122 immediately. They should also seek the blocking of affected digital banking channels, wherever applicable.
Customers have further been advised to report financial cyber fraud by calling the national helpline 1930 or filing a complaint through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal. The bank urged victims to preserve relevant advertisements, messages, telephone numbers, links and transaction details to assist in reporting the incident.
The advisory called on customers to remain vigilant against offers that appear unusually attractive, warning that fraudulent pension card schemes could put their personal information and hard-earned money at risk.
