Archive · 23 Aug 2026
How to Spot Fake Bank SMS Before Scammers Trick You
Some scam text messages are designed to look like messages from your bank.
They may use similar names, logos, and writing styles.
Vinny Arora showed that a tiny character difference can reveal a fake sender.
You can copy the sender header and send it to 1909 to check its registration.
You can also use the TRAI SMS Header website for verification.
Do not click links in messages from unregistered senders.
A message containing a “Click here” link may also be suspicious.
Always check first and never share private banking information through an unexpected message.
Finance professor Vinny Arora warned that fraudulent bank SMS messages can closely copy genuine branding and sender names.
He advised copying the SMS sender header and sending it to 1909 to check whether it is registered with TRAI.
Users can also verify sender details through the TRAI SMS Header portal at smsheader.trai.gov.in.
Scammers may substitute a similar-looking character, such as lowercase “i” for uppercase “I,” in the sender name.
Users should verify messages before clicking links or sharing OTPs, PINs, passwords, or banking details.
- Who
- Delhi University Finance Professor and SEBI Registered Investment Adviser Vinny Arora warned bank customers about fraudulent SMS messages.
- What
- He explained three ways to check whether a bank SMS sender is genuine before clicking links or sharing sensitive information.
- When
- Arora posted the warning video on Instagram on Saturday.
- Where
- The advice was shared through Instagram and refers to the TRAI SMS Header portal at smsheader.trai.gov.in.
- Why
- Scammers can closely imitate genuine bank messages and alter a single sender-name character to deceive recipients.
Verify Every Suspicious Message
Use Simpler Banking Checks
How to respond to bank SMS alerts
Verify Every Suspicious Message
Arora advised checking the sender header through 1909 or the TRAI SMS Header portal before clicking any link.
Use Simpler Banking Checks
A user questioned whether customers should perform these checks every time and suggested checking the account balance or using the YONO SBI app instead.
Identifying suspicious links
Verify Every Suspicious Message
The warning emphasized verifying the sender before opening links or sharing sensitive banking information.
Use Simpler Banking Checks
Another user said a message containing a “Click here” link is itself a scam indicator.
- First verification method
- Copy the SMS sender header and send it to 1909 to check whether it is registered with TRAI.
- Online verification
- Use the TRAI SMS Header portal at smsheader.trai.gov.in.
- Key warning sign
- A sender name may contain a similar-looking character, such as lowercase “i” replacing uppercase “I.”
- Before clicking
- Verify the sender and avoid links in messages from unregistered senders.
- Information to protect
- Do not share OTPs, PINs, passwords, or banking details based on an unverified SMS.
- Additional user suggestion
- One social media user said a “Click here” link can be a sign of a scam.