Hyderabad: How cybercriminals are posing as RBI UDGAM officials to empty bank accounts of gullible citizens
Once the link is clicked, the victim’s mobile phone is compromised, allowing fraudsters to gain access to banking credentials and empty accounts in a matter of minutes
By - Newsmeter Network
Representational Image
Hyderabad: Cybercriminals have devised a new scam by misusing the name of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and its ‘UDGAM’ portal, meant for tracing unclaimed bank deposits.
Posing as facilitators of the RBI initiative, fraudsters are sending deceptive messages and emails claiming that large sums are lying idle in old bank accounts and can be withdrawn instantly.
Lure of unclaimed deposits
In a statement issued on Friday, Hyderabad Commissioner of Police VC Sajjanar said that the victims received messages stating that lakhs of rupees are pending in their dormant accounts and urging them to click on a link to claim the money.
Once the link is clicked, the victim’s mobile phone is compromised, allowing fraudsters to gain access to banking credentials and empty accounts in a matter of minutes.
RBI name misused
Elaborating further, Sajjanar said that the scammers are falsely branding their links as part of the RBI’s ‘UDGAM’ (Unclaimed Deposits – Gateway to Access Information) portal. They cautioned that the RBI never sends messages or emails asking customers to click links or share sensitive details.
No calls, No OTPs from RBI
The Hyderabad CP also clarified that the RBI and banks do not contact customers seeking OTPs, PINs, passwords, or personal information. Any phone call or message claiming to be from RBI officials and demanding such details should be treated as fraudulent.
Only one official website
Depositors wishing to check unclaimed balances have been advised to use only the official RBI portal — udgam.rbi.org.in. Links circulated through WhatsApp, SMS, emails, or social media are not authorised, the CP added.
Public Advisory
Cybercrime police urged citizens to remain vigilant and:
Avoid clicking on unknown or suspicious links.
Refrain from downloading apps or files sent through unsolicited messages.
Verify information only through official RBI or bank websites.
Act fast if cheated
Victims of cyber fraud should immediately call the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or register a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in. Officials warned that delays in reporting could drastically reduce the chances of recovering the stolen funds.
Authorities have appealed to the public not to fall for easy-money promises and to exercise caution while dealing with messages claiming to be from regulatory bodies.
