These days, fake banking apps are so well-designed that they can easily deceive anyone at first glance. A shiny icon on the Play Store, a name similar to a real bank, and thousands of five-star ratings often make them appear legitimate.
However, once someone installs these apps, they silently steal passwords, OTPs, and account details. Digital scams are widespread at every step in the online world, and recognising these traps has become extremely important.
Fake banking apps look almost identical to the real ones but steal banking information as soon as they are installed. Therefore, it is essential to check a few things before downloading any banking app.
Key Checks Before Installing:
| Check | Details |
|---|---|
| Publisher Name | Real banking apps are listed under the actual name of the bank, such as “HDFC Bank Limited”, “State Bank of India”, or “ICICI Bank Limited”. Fake apps may alter the name slightly or add terms like “Pro”, “Secure”, or misspell the bank’s name. |
| Downloads & Ratings | Real banking apps have millions of downloads and thousands of ratings. Fake apps tend to have fewer downloads and ratings that are often generic and repetitive. |
| Link or QR Code | Do not download apps through links or QR codes received via SMS, WhatsApp, Telegram, or email. Banks never ask customers to download apps through these methods. Real apps are only available on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. |
| App Permissions | Authentic banking apps only request necessary permissions, such as SMS for OTPs, Camera for KYC, or Location for ATM/Branch locators. Fake apps ask for unnecessary permissions like access to contacts, call logs, screen recording, or notifications. |
If you accidentally install a fake app, immediately uninstall it, scan your phone for any malicious software, change your internet banking or UPI passwords, and inform your bank as soon as possible.