State Bank of India (SBI), the largest public sector bank in the country, has issued an important alert for its customers. Due to the rise in digital fraud cases across India, SBI has shared a key update.
The bank clarified that calls starting with +91-1600 are genuine and safe. So, if you get a call from these numbers, there is no need to worry.
SBI announced on social media that these numbers are used only for service and transaction-related calls. You can talk to these callers without any fear.
RBI’s New Rule
In January 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) instructed all banks and financial institutions to make customer calls only from numbers starting with the 1600xx series.
This is to help customers easily recognize real calls and avoid fake ones. Meanwhile, the 140xx series will be reserved only for marketing and promotional calls.
RBI also said mobile numbers are very important today—they are used for OTPs, alerts, and account information. But fraudsters are misusing these numbers to trick people.
SBI’s Official Calling Numbers
SBI shared a list of its verified numbers used to contact customers:
1600-01-8000
1600-01-8003
1600-01-8006
1600-11-7012
1600-11-7015
1600-01-8001
1600-01-8004
1600-01-8007
1600-11-7013
1600-00-1351
1600-01-8002
1600-01-8005
1600-11-7011
1600-01-7014
1600-10-0021
What Customers Should Do
SBI advises customers to answer calls only from the numbers above. Avoid talking to unknown or suspicious callers. Never share your banking details with anyone.
If you are unsure about a call, contact SBI directly. This step by SBI and RBI is a strong effort to protect customers from online fraud.
