The FIGHT campaign by South Indian Bank has aimed to educate customers to stay vigilant against cyber fraud. Throughout the campaign, we explored how scammers manipulate emotions like Fear, Ignorance, Greed, and Haste to deceive victims. As we reach the final chapter, it’s time to explore into T for Trickery—the deceptive tactics scammers use to create illusions and steal personal information or money.

Fraudsters act like skilled magicians—pulling off convincing tricks to manipulate trust. Just like magic leaves us wondering, “How did they do that?” scams can look so real that we realise the deception only when it’s too late. With the right awareness, though, you can break through these illusions and protect your finances.

• The false reality - Fraudsters create fake profiles, emails, or websites that look exactly like trusted organizations - your bank, a familiar shopping site, or even a friend's social media profile. These look-alikes trick victims into believing they are engaging with genuine sources.
• The deceptive action - Victims are misled into clicking on malicious links or entering personal data on fake sites. Sometimes, these fraudsters claim "urgent account updates" or send promotional messages designed to tempt users into clicking without thinking.
• The outcome - Often, the fraud goes undetected until it’s too late. By the time victims realise what’s happened, their data is compromised, devices infected with malware, or money stolen from their accounts.

• Question everything - Be skeptical of unsolicited emails, messages, or calls—even if they seem familiar. When in doubt, verify directly with the concerned person or organization through official channels.
• Protect your secrets - Use strong and unique passwords across your accounts, and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible to add an extra layer of security.
• Beware of "Too Good to Be True" offers - Fraudsters dangle irresistible deals or fake prizes to lure victims. Avoid rushing into decisions—if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Stay updated - Regularly update your devices and software with the latest security patches to minimize the risk of malware infections or data breaches.

Even if fraudsters manage to obtain your card details, the e-Lock feature available on the SIB Mirror+ app gives you control to temporarily lock your card. This ensures no unauthorized transactions take place without your permission. Simply toggle your card status to secure your finances at any time.

With this final piece, the FIGHT campaign draws to a close, reinforcing the importance of staying alert against fraud. Trickery is the most subtle and dangerous of scams because it plays on trust and familiarity. However, by remaining cautious and proactive, you can avoid falling into these traps.

The next time you receive a message asking for sensitive information or encounter a deal that seems too good to pass up—pause, verify, and act wisely. With the right awareness, you can outwit the tricksters and safeguard your hard-earned money.

Fear: Stay calm and verify information before reacting.

Ignorance: Stay informed about the latest fraud trends.

Greed: Avoid offers that promise unrealistic returns.

Haste: Don’t let urgency pressure you into poor decisions.

Trickery: Question everything and verify before trusting.

South Indian Bank remains committed to safeguarding your digital banking experience. Stay informed about the latest cyber scams and avoid falling victim to fear tactics used by scammers. If you encounter any suspicious communication:

• For South Indian Bank Customers: Immediately contact us at 1800 425 1809 for assistance, and use the National Cyber Crime Portal helpline at 1930 to report the incident.
• For Non-Customers or Other Cyber Fraud Cases: Use the National Cyber Crime Portal helpline at 1930 to report the incident.

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.