New Delhi : The way customers shop, spend, and make payments is evolving rapidly. Today, digital transactions are no longer limited to a single channel or moment – customers are increasingly making transactions across retail and e-commerce platforms, booking travel, paying bills, or managing everyday expenses. At the same time, the growing digital footprint has created new opportunities for fraudsters to target unsuspecting users through increasingly sophisticated methods.
According to the RBI Annual Report 2025–26, card and internet fraud accounted for nearly 74% of all reported fraud cases, making them among the most commonly reported forms of financial fraud in the country. These incidents can cause financial loss, inconvenience, and emotional distress.
The increasing frequency of these incidents highlights the importance of awareness and safe digital financial practices. Customer centric financial organisations like SBI Card continue to invest in advanced technology, enhanced security capabilities, 24*7 Live Chat support, and customer awareness across the ecosystem, to enhance customer protection and experience. At the same time, it is imperative for the customers to stay conscious, careful, and adopt mindful habits, to avoid and reduce fraud incidents.
Commenting on this, Salila Pande, MD & CEO, SBI Card, said: “The future of digital payments and credit card industry will ultimately be shaped by trust. The industry continues to take key measures, including investing in advanced security infrastructure, and data protection initiatives, among others. At the same time, as fraud tactics evolve, customers who understand how scams operate are often the strongest defence against them. Developing simple habits such as verifying communication, not disclosing sensitive information, and remaining cautious of unsolicited requests can significantly reduce customers exposure to fraud.”
According to SBI Card here are ten actions among others that every customer should follow, for a safer, smarter, and more confident payment experience:
1. Buy Only on Trusted Platforms: Always purchase from official brand websites or reliable marketplaces. Avoid clicking on random links or attachments from fake websites shared via social media or messaging apps, as they are a common gateway for digital fraud.
2. Download Applications Only from Credible Sources: Install mobile applications only from the official app stores. Avoid downloading APK files or apps from unknown websites or unverified sources including links shared via unverified sources through WhatsApp, SMS, email, social media, or QR codes, as they may contain malware designed to compromise device and personal information.
3. Never Share Personal Details: Individuals should never share card details, PIN, OTP, or CVV, with anyone and always verify the authenticity of any call, email, or message before proceeding with transactions. Never share your card details or phone number while raising complaint/query on social media platforms. Legitimate organisations never ask for confidential details.
4. Prevent Screen Sharing Fraud: Individuals should avoid sharing screens of their device such as laptops, desktops, and mobile phones to any unknown person.
5. Be Alert to Phishing Attempts: Stay alert to phishing emails, messages, and calls claiming your account is suspended, points/offers are about to expire or fake delivery updates, fake E-challans, tax notices/penalties. Always verify information/changes with official customer care representatives. Genuine organisations and credit card issuers never ask for confidential details like (OTP, CVV, PIN, Passwords, etc.) or messages from the cardholder.
6. Verify Calls Claiming to Represent Financial Institutions: Fraudsters frequently impersonate and call claiming to be bank officials, credit card representatives, customer care executives, or financial advisors. They create urgency or fear while offering services such as card upgrades, credit limit enhancements, reward redemptions, settlement offers, or account reactivation. If you receive such a call, disconnect, and contact the organisation directly using its official customer service channels.
7. Be Vigilant of Payment Fraud and Report Suspicious Activity Immediately: In case you receive any unverified payment or refund reflecting in your account, always verify whether the amount has been credited before taking any action. In case you accidentally share sensitive information, click on a suspicious link, install an unverified application, or notice unauthorized account activity, immediately contact your bank or card issuer, block the affected card(s) or account(s), and report the incident to the cybercrime authorities without delay.
8. Verify Offers and Reward Points: Be cautious with unrealistic discounts, refund notifications, and fraudulent deals, especially on high-value items, and always verify offers directly with the brand before making payment. Similarly, check the authenticity of SMS, e-mails, or calls asking you to redeem reward points by clicking on links or sharing personal/credit card details, and never proceed without confirming legitimacy.
9. Enable Transaction Alerts and Regularly Monitor Accounts: Activate SMS, email, and mobile application notifications for all card transactions. You must regularly review account activity and promptly report any unauthorised or suspicious transactions to your card issuer.
10. Always opt for Strong Password: It is extremely important to update account password regularly. Always choose a strong and unique password that is different from your e-mail/ social media account passwords. Never share your password with anyone.
The most effective defence against digital fraud is not a single tool or technology, but a combination of awareness, caution, and responsible financial behaviour. As fraudsters adapt tactics, customers must remain equally proactive in protecting their personal and financial information. Staying informed and alert enables customers to use digital payment solutions with greater confidence and security.