The State Bank of Pakistan has taken measures to facilitate bank customers who are facing challenges arising from the coronavirus situation in the country and also for public warning against fraudsters under the situation created by COVID-19.
Customers can now approach the SBP through its helpline 021-111-727-273 in case their complainants do not get an appropriate response from banks, they may approach the SBP helpline at 021-111-727-273, which will remain available during office hours.
State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has taken notice of phishing telephone by fraudsters, advising bank customers not to disclose personal information on incoming calls.
“It has been brought to the notice of SBP that fraudsters, imitating as officials of SBP, bank or any other government agency, have been attempting to seek personal information from the public on the pretext of verification of account due to emergency conditions under COVID-19 pandemic,” the SBP said in a statement.
“It is reiterated that SBP, banks or any other agency are not collecting information from banking customers regarding their bank accounts or cards.” The State Bank said it never asks for any personal information directly from bank customers. “The general public is, therefore, advised again not to disclose personal information on incoming calls,” it said.
To facilitate banking consumers, SBP has advised all banks to ensure that their call centers/helplines are available 24/7 for instant customer support. Banking consumers are encouraged to approach banks through helpline for queries or lodging complaints.
The general public is encouraged to take appropriate safety measures in the context of the Corona Virus and use alternate delivery channels where possible. SBP recognizes that the employees of banks and other financial institutions are providing services amid the difficult working conditions arising due to COVID-19. For the protection of bank employees and customers, work place safety and to meet the operational challenges in serving the bank customers, banks have been advised to implement guidelines issued by World Health Organization, the Government of Pakistan and the Provincial Governments in letter and spirit. Nevertheless, bank employees and customers still facing difficulties or having concerns over arrangements may bring this to the notice of SBP. For this purpose, queries, concerns, complaints may be emailed to SBP.
