Last Reviewed: September 2026 | Based on RBI Circular on Customer Protection 2026
Unauthorised transactions in SBI bank accounts are increasing in India and among NRI customers in UAE and Gulf. If money is debited from your SBI account without your knowledge, you must act within 3 days to get a full refund as per RBI guidelines 2026. This guide explains every step to report and recover money from unauthorised SBI transactions.
RBI Rules on Unauthorised Transactions 2026 — Know Your Rights
| Time to Report | Your Liability | Bank Liability |
|---|---|---|
| Within 3 working days | Zero — full refund | 100% responsible |
| 4 to 7 working days | Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 max | Partial refund |
| After 7 working days | As per bank policy | Discretionary |
Key rule: Report within 3 working days = ZERO liability. Act fast.
Types of SBI Banking Fraud in 2026 — Know What Happened
- ATM Card Skimming: A device attached to ATM machine steals your card data and PIN — fraudster clones your card and withdraws cash
- Phishing: Fake email or SMS mimicking SBI asks for your net banking credentials — never click such links
- Vishing (Voice Phishing): Fraudster calls pretending to be SBI officer, asks for OTP or card details — SBI never asks for OTP on calls
- CNP (Card Not Present) Fraud: Fraudster uses your card number, expiry, and CVV to make online purchases without your physical card
- Account Takeover: You accidentally share your net banking credentials or OTP — fraudster changes mobile number and locks you out
- SIM Swap Fraud: Fraudster gets a duplicate SIM of your number — all OTPs go to them instead of you
- UPI Fraud: Fake UPI collect requests sent — you accidentally approve a debit thinking it is a credit
- Dark Web Data Breach: Your card data purchased from dark web — used for international transactions without OTP
Immediately After Reporting — Change All Passwords and PINs
After blocking your card and filing complaint, immediately change all credentials to prevent further fraud:
- Change YONO SBI MPIN — tap Forgot MPIN on login screen
- Change Online SBI net banking password — login to onlinesbi.sbi and go to Profile – Change Password
- Change SBI ATM PIN — via YONO app or any SBI ATM – Service Registrations – PIN Change
- Change UPI PIN on YONO Pay or BHIM app
- Change email and phone passwords linked to banking
- Enable two-factor authentication on email account
SBI Email and Contact for Fraud Reporting 2026
- Toll-free: 1800-11-2211 (24×7)
- Toll-free: 1800-425-3800 (24×7)
- NRI helpline: +91-80-26599990 (for UAE, Gulf, international customers)
- Email: [email protected]
- Online complaint: crcf.sbi.co.in/ccf
- Cyber crime: 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in
- RBI Ombudsman: cms.rbi.org.in or call 14448
Step 1 — Block Your SBI Card and Account Immediately
- YONO SBI App: Services – ATM Card Services – Block Card (30 seconds)
- Missed Call: Give missed call to 9223966666 to block instantly
- SMS: Send BLOCK to 567676 from registered mobile
- Toll-free: Call 1800-11-2211 or 1800-425-3800 (24×7)
- Online SBI: My Accounts – ATM Card Services – Block Card
Step 2 — File SBI Unauthorised Transaction Complaint Online 2026
- Login to YONO SBI app or onlinesbi.sbi
- Go to Service Requests or Grievances
- Select Unauthorised Transaction Complaint
- Enter transaction date, amount, and transaction reference number
- Describe the issue and attach screenshot if available
- Submit — note down the complaint reference number
- You will receive SMS and email confirmation
- SBI must resolve within 10 working days as per RBI rules
Step 3 — File Complaint via SBI CMS Portal
- Visit crcf.sbi.co.in/ccf
- Click Lodge Complaint
- Select complaint category — Unauthorised Transaction
- Enter account details and transaction information
- Upload supporting documents (SMS alerts, screenshots)
- Submit and save complaint number
Step 4 — Escalate to RBI Ombudsman if SBI Does Not Resolve
If SBI does not resolve your complaint within 30 days, escalate to RBI Banking Ombudsman:
- Visit cms.rbi.org.in
- Click File a Complaint
- Select State Bank of India as the bank
- Enter complaint details and attach SBI complaint reference number
- RBI Ombudsman will take up the case — resolution within 30 days
- You can also call RBI helpline 14448 (toll-free)
SBI Unauthorised Transaction Letter Format 2026
Use this letter format to submit at SBI branch:
To,
The Branch Manager,
State Bank of India,
[Branch Name and Address]
Subject: Complaint Regarding Unauthorised Transaction — Account No. [XXXXXXXXXX]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am an account holder at your branch with Account Number [XXXXXXXXXX] and CIF Number [XXXXXXXXXX]. I wish to bring to your attention that an unauthorised transaction of Rs [Amount] was made from my account on [Date] at [Time] without my knowledge or consent.
Transaction Reference Number: [XXXXXXXXXX]
Transaction Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
Transaction Amount: Rs [Amount]
Mode: [ATM/Online/UPI/Card]
I have not shared my PIN, OTP, or card details with anyone. I request you to investigate this transaction immediately, block my card, and reverse the debited amount as per RBI guidelines on customer protection for unauthorised transactions.
I am enclosing copies of my bank statement and SMS alerts as evidence.
Yours faithfully,
[Your Name]
[Account Number]
[Registered Mobile Number]
[Date]
How to Protect Your SBI Account from Fraud 2026
- Never share OTP, PIN, or card details — SBI never asks for these
- Enable transaction SMS alerts for all debit transactions
- Set daily transaction limit on YONO SBI app
- Use YONO SBI virtual debit card for online shopping
- Check account statement weekly via YONO app
- Register email for e-statements — see how to update email in SBI account
- NRI customers in UAE: enable international transaction alerts on YONO SBI
Frequently Asked Questions — SBI Unauthorised Transaction 2026
What to do if money is debited from SBI account without my knowledge?
Immediately call SBI helpline 1800-11-2211, block your card via YONO SBI app, and file an unauthorised transaction complaint online at onlinesbi.sbi or at your SBI branch. Report within 3 working days for zero liability and full refund as per RBI guidelines.
Will SBI refund money for unauthorised transactions in 2026?
Yes. As per RBI guidelines, if you report an unauthorised transaction within 3 working days and it is not due to your negligence, SBI must refund the full amount. SBI has 10 working days to resolve the complaint.
What is the SBI complaint number for unauthorised transactions?
Call SBI toll-free helpline 1800-11-2211 or 1800-425-3800 available 24×7 for reporting unauthorised transactions. You can also file complaint online at crcf.sbi.co.in/ccf or through YONO SBI app.
How to file SBI unauthorised transaction complaint online?
Login to YONO SBI app or onlinesbi.sbi, go to Service Requests or Grievances, select Unauthorised Transaction Complaint, enter transaction details, and submit. You will receive a complaint reference number via SMS.
What if SBI rejects my unauthorised transaction complaint?
If SBI rejects or does not resolve your complaint within 30 days, escalate to RBI Banking Ombudsman at cms.rbi.org.in or call RBI helpline 14448. The Ombudsman will investigate and ensure resolution within 30 days.
Can NRI customers in UAE file SBI unauthorised transaction complaint?
Yes. NRI customers in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Gulf can file unauthorised transaction complaint via YONO SBI app or onlinesbi.sbi from abroad. Call SBI NRI helpline +91-80-26599990 for international complaints.
How long does SBI take to refund unauthorised transaction amount?
SBI must resolve unauthorised transaction complaints within 10 working days as per RBI guidelines. If resolved in your favour, the refund is credited within the same 10 working days.
What documents needed to file SBI unauthorised transaction complaint?
Keep ready your account number, transaction reference number, date and amount of unauthorised transaction, SMS alert screenshot, and bank statement showing the debit. For branch complaint, also carry original ID proof.
Step 3 — Report to Cyber Crime Portal (Mandatory for Online Fraud)
For online/UPI/card fraud, you must also report to the National Cyber Crime portal:
- Call 1930 — National Cyber Crime Helpline (toll-free, 24×7)
- Visit cybercrime.gov.in and click File a Complaint
- Select Financial Fraud and fill in transaction details
- Save the cyber crime complaint number
- Also visit your nearest police station or cyber cell to file FIR for large amounts
Important: Report to both SBI (crcf.sbi.co.in/ccf) AND cyber crime portal (cybercrime.gov.in) for maximum recovery chances.
Step 4 — File SBI Complaint at Correct Official Portal 2026
The official SBI complaint portal for unauthorised transactions in 2026:
- Official URL: crcf.sbi.co.in/ccf
- Select: Raise Complaint – Existing Customer – Financial Complaint
- Then: Unauthorised Transaction – Transaction not done by customer
- Fill brief details in last column and submit
- Complaint number sent to registered mobile and email
Court Ruling 2026 — Your Rights Even if Negligent
A landmark consumer court ruling in 2026 (Roopam Kumar v. SBI Cards, Chandigarh District Consumer Commission, February 2026) clarified that once you report an unauthorised transaction, your liability for ALL losses occurring AFTER that point is zero — even if you were partially negligent before reporting. This means reporting immediately cuts off your exposure. The court directed SBI to refund the disputed amount and pay compensation.
What to Do If SBI Refuses to Refund
- Escalate to SBI nodal officer — details at sbi.co.in/nodal-officer
- File complaint at RBI Banking Ombudsman — cms.rbi.org.in (if not resolved in 30 days)
- Call RBI helpline 14448
- File complaint at consumer forum — consumerhelpline.gov.in
- Approach District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission for compensation
Frequently Asked Questions — SBI Unauthorised Transaction 2026
What to do if money is debited from SBI account without my knowledge?
Immediately call SBI helpline 1800-11-2211, block your card via YONO SBI app, change all passwords and PINs, file complaint at crcf.sbi.co.in/ccf, and report to cyber crime helpline 1930. Report within 3 working days for zero liability and full refund.
Will SBI refund money for unauthorised transactions in 2026?
Yes. As per RBI guidelines, if you report within 3 working days and the fraud is not due to your own negligence, SBI must refund the full amount within 10 working days. A 2026 consumer court ruling confirmed zero liability even if partially negligent, once you report.
What is the SBI complaint number for unauthorised transactions?
Call SBI toll-free helpline 1800-11-2211 or 1800-425-3800 available 24×7. For cyber fraud also call 1930. NRI customers in UAE and Gulf call +91-80-26599990. Email: [email protected].
How to file SBI unauthorised transaction complaint online?
Visit crcf.sbi.co.in/ccf, select Raise Complaint, then Existing Customer, then Financial Complaint, then Unauthorised Transaction. Enter transaction details and submit. You will receive a complaint number via SMS and email.
What if SBI rejects my unauthorised transaction complaint?
If SBI does not resolve within 30 days, escalate to RBI Banking Ombudsman at cms.rbi.org.in or call 14448. You can also approach the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission for compensation.
Can NRI customers in UAE file SBI unauthorised transaction complaint?
Yes. NRI customers in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Gulf can file complaint via YONO SBI app or crcf.sbi.co.in/ccf from abroad. Call SBI NRI helpline +91-80-26599990 for international fraud complaints.
How long does SBI take to refund unauthorised transaction amount?
SBI must resolve within 10 working days as per RBI guidelines. If resolved in your favour, the refund is credited within the same 10 working days.
What is SIM swap fraud and how does it affect SBI account?
SIM swap fraud happens when a fraudster gets a duplicate SIM of your registered mobile number. All OTPs then go to the fraudster instead of you, allowing them to access your SBI net banking and transfer funds. If you suddenly lose mobile network, immediately call your telecom operator and SBI.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to do if money is debited from SBI account without my knowledge?
Immediately call 1800-11-2211, block card via YONO SBI app, change all passwords and PINs, file complaint at crcf.sbi.co.in/ccf, and report to cyber crime helpline 1930. Report within 3 working days for zero liability and full refund.
Will SBI refund money for unauthorised transactions in 2026?
Yes. Report within 3 working days and SBI must refund the full amount within 10 working days as per RBI guidelines. A 2026 consumer court ruling confirmed zero liability once you report.
What is the SBI complaint number for unauthorised transactions?
Call 1800-11-2211 or 1800-425-3800 available 24×7. For cyber fraud call 1930. NRI customers call +91-80-26599990. Email: [email protected].
How to file SBI unauthorised transaction complaint online?
Visit crcf.sbi.co.in/ccf, select Raise Complaint, Existing Customer, Financial Complaint, then Unauthorised Transaction. Enter details and submit — complaint number sent via SMS.
What if SBI rejects my unauthorised transaction complaint?
Escalate to RBI Banking Ombudsman at cms.rbi.org.in or call 14448 if not resolved within 30 days. You can also approach District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission for compensation.
Can NRI customers in UAE file SBI unauthorised transaction complaint?
Yes. File via YONO SBI app or crcf.sbi.co.in/ccf from abroad. Call SBI NRI helpline +91-80-26599990 for international fraud complaints.
How long does SBI take to refund unauthorised transaction amount?
SBI must resolve within 10 working days as per RBI guidelines. Refund is credited within the same period if resolved in your favour.
What is SIM swap fraud and how does it affect SBI account?
SIM swap fraud occurs when a fraudster gets a duplicate SIM of your registered mobile number. All OTPs go to them instead of you. If you suddenly lose mobile network, immediately call your telecom operator and SBI helpline.
Related SBI Guides
- SBI Banking Complete Guide 2026
- YONO SBI App Registration 2026
- Update Email ID in SBI Account
- Link Aadhaar with SBI Account 2026
- Reset SBI Net Banking Password
- Block SBI ATM Card Online
- SBI Customer Care Numbers 2026
