South Indian Bank’s FIGHT campaign educates customers to stay ahead of cyber fraud by addressing the common human vulnerabilities that scammers exploit. These vulnerabilities include Fear, Ignorance, Greed, Haste, and Trickery. Here, we focus on H for Haste—a common tactic scammers use to make people rush their decisions, leading to mistakes and financial losses.
When we act hastily, we often miss important details. Scammers know this and create fake urgencies to pressure people into taking action without proper verification. Lets understand how scammers manipulate haste and offers practical advice on how to overcome it.
How scammers exploit haste
- Phishing emails with fake deadlines -Scammers send emails claiming suspicious activity in your account and urge immediate action to avoid account closure. Victims, in panic, click malicious links and unknowingly share personal information.
- Limited-time offers -Fraudsters offer seemingly lucrative investments or deals but claim they are only available for a limited time. The goal is to make people invest or purchase without researching.
- Fake customer care numbers - In emergencies, people often search for quick solutions online. Scammers exploit this urgency by placing fake customer service numbers online to steal sensitive information.
- Urgent calls with emergencies -Scammers impersonate authorities or relatives, claiming an emergency that requires immediate financial assistance. This creates panic, leading victims to transfer money without verifying the situation.
How to overcome haste-driven scams
- Pause and verify - Take a moment to think before you act. Whether it's an email, message, or phone call asking for urgent action, always double-check the source.
- Use official channels only - For banking queries, use only the official website or app of South Indian Bank. Avoid clicking on links from unknown sources or responding to unsolicited calls or messages.
- Avoid last-minute investments or purchases -Don't let limited-time offers pressure you. Research thoroughly before investing or making purchases. Legitimate opportunities will allow time for verification.
- Stay calm during emergencies -If you receive an urgent call for financial help, contact the person directly or consult trusted family members. If the person is unreachable, contact the relevant embassy or authorities to confirm the situation.
Safeguard your accounts with e-Lock facility
South Indian Bank offers the e-Lock facility on the SIB Mirror+ app, allowing you to temporarily lock your card. This feature ensures that even if your card information is compromised, no unauthorised transactions can occur until you unlock it.
Explore safe and secured banking. Open an account with South Indian Bank today.
Conclusion: Don’t let haste lead to mistakes
Haste-driven decisions often lead to costly errors. As part of the FIGHT campaign, South Indian Bank urges customers to slow down, verify information, and act wisely. Fraudsters count on impulsive reactions—don’t give them the upper hand.
If you suspect any fraudulent activity, contact South Indian Bank’s helpline at 1800 425 1809 or the National Cyber Crime Portal at 1930 for assistance.
Stay informed, act wisely, and continue the FIGHT against fraud.
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Disclaimer: The article is for information purpose only. The views expressed in this article are personal and do not necessarily constitute the views of The South Indian Bank Ltd. or its employees. The South Indian Bank Ltd and/or the author shall not be responsible for any direct/indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial/non-financial decisions based on the contents and information’s in the blog article. Please consult your financial advisor or the respective field expert before making any decisions.