ICICI Issues Warning About Online Fraud, Creates Awareness

In their communication, the bank highlighted that scammers are increasingly trying to steal account and card information by sending fraudulent emails or messages that appear to originate from trusted organizations, such as banks and tax agencies.

The bank has advised users to quickly report any fraudulent activities to the National Cyber Crime at cybercrime.gov.in or by calling the helpline at 1930, in addition to reaching out to the ICICI Bank helpline at 18002662.

Fraudsters may attempt to acquire sensitive information, including User ID, Password, URN, Card Number, Grid Values, CVV, Expiry Date, and OTP, through deceptive emails or messages that mimic legitimate organizations. These communications often create a false sense of urgency, pressuring individuals to update their account or card information.

ICICI further elaborated that scammers frequently create fake websites that closely resemble those of well-known financial institutions or popular retail sites. They employ various tactics, such as email phishing to collect sensitive data, voice phishing to extract personal information over the phone, and SMS phishing to solicit details via text messages.

Their main goal is to gather crucial customer information, which can encompass account numbers, login IDs, transaction and account passwords, mobile phone numbers, addresses, debit card grid values, credit card numbers, CVV codes, PAN details, birth dates, mother’s maiden names, and passport numbers.

ICICI has provided guidance on how to spot fraudsters. Unsolicited emails, phone calls, or text messages from unfamiliar sources requesting sensitive banking details are clear signs of fraudulent behavior.

Typically, these emails will use generic salutations like “Dear Sir” or “Dear Ma’am.” Additionally, just because an email contains a logo does not guarantee its authenticity.

Links in these deceptive emails may seem legitimate, but if you hover your cursor over them, you may find a different URL that leads to a fake website.

In April this year, ICICI issued similar warnings. The private sector bank is advising account holders to stay alert to harmful links and applications that are being shared on platforms such as WhatsApp, email, and more.