India’s largest public sector lender, State Bank of India (SBI), has released an important advisory to help customers stay protected amid a surge in phone-based financial fraud. As cybercriminals increasingly target bank users through fake calls and messages, the bank has clarified which incoming numbers can be considered legitimate.

According to SBI, calls originating from numbers that begin with +91-1600 are official service calls from the bank. Customers receiving such calls generally do not need to worry, as these numbers are used by the bank for genuine communication related to banking services.

Purpose of the +91-1600 Number Series

In its public communication, SBI emphasized that the +91-1600 series is reserved strictly for customer service and transaction-related communication. These calls may include alerts, service updates, or other banking-related interactions initiated by the bank.

The move aims to help customers easily distinguish between authentic bank outreach and potential scam attempts. With fraudsters frequently impersonating bank officials, this clarity is expected to reduce confusion and improve customer confidence.

“Your Security Is Our Priority,” Says SBI

Reinforcing its commitment to customer protection, SBI stated that security remains its top priority. The bank reassured users that calls from the designated number range are part of its official communication framework.

At the same time, SBI stressed the importance of staying alert in the digital banking era. Even as the bank improves its communication transparency, customers must remain cautious and avoid sharing sensitive information unless they are fully certain of the caller’s authenticity.

Rising Cases of Phone Banking Fraud

The advisory comes at a time when incidents of phone and message-based financial fraud are on the rise across India. Scammers often pose as bank representatives and attempt to extract confidential details such as OTPs, card numbers, or internet banking credentials.

Such fraud attempts typically create urgency or fear to manipulate victims. By clearly identifying its official calling numbers, SBI hopes to provide customers with a practical tool to detect suspicious calls more effectively.

Stay Alert to Unknown or Unsolicited Calls

While clarifying the legitimacy of the +91-1600 series, the bank also urged customers to remain vigilant against unsolicited or suspicious calls from other numbers. Users are advised:

• Never share OTPs, PINs, passwords, or CVV details over the phone


• Avoid engaging with callers who create panic or pressure


• Verify doubtful communication directly through official banking channels


• Immediately report suspected fraud attempts

Maintaining digital hygiene and awareness remains the strongest defense against evolving cyber threats.

Real-Life Case Highlights Importance of Vigilance

SBI also referred to a previous incident where the alertness of bank staff helped prevent a senior citizen from falling victim to a digital fraud attempt. In that case, a scammer posing as an official tried to intimidate the customer with a so-called “digital arrest” claim.

Thanks to timely intervention by trained bank employees, the fraud was identified and stopped before any financial loss occurred. The episode underscores how both institutional safeguards and customer awareness play crucial roles in fraud prevention.

Continuous Training for Cybersecurity Preparedness

The bank noted that its employees undergo regular cybersecurity and fraud-prevention training to better assist customers. Such preparedness enables staff to quickly recognize suspicious patterns and act before damage occurs.

However, SBI reiterated that customer awareness remains the first line of defense. Even the most advanced systems cannot fully protect users who unknowingly share sensitive information.

Bottom Line

SBI’s latest fraud alert is a timely reminder in an era of rapidly evolving digital scams. Calls from the +91-1600 number series are generally legitimate bank communications, but customers must continue to exercise caution with all unsolicited contacts.

Staying informed, verifying suspicious activity, and never sharing confidential banking details remain the most effective ways to keep your money safe.