Will your SBI YONO app be disabled if Aadhaar is not linked? Government fact-checks viral claim

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• PIB Fact Check flagged fake SBI reward scam on WhatsApp and SMS
• SBI warns customers not to click or download suspicious APK links
• Users should report phishing to SBI and only download apps from official stores

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The Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check unit has recently flagged a fake reward message scam circulating on WhatsApp and SMS involving SBI customers. The scam claims that your SBI YONO app will be blocked if you don’t update your Aadhaar.

In a social media post on X, (formerly Twitter) PIB Fact Check unit has stated that the scammers are targeting customers by sending messages that pretend to be from SBI and claim that a users must download and install an APK file to update their Aadhaar. It further claims that if Aadhaar is not updated, the SBI YONO app will be blocked.

Is it true that your SBI YONO app will be blocked if you don’t update your Aadhaar❓

A message circulating on social media in the name of SBI claims that users must download and install an APK file to update their Aadhaar. It further claims that if Aadhaar is not updated, the… pic.twitter.com/wHf0KxCkk0 — PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) January 6, 2026

However, government's fact checking wing highlighted that the claims are fake and SBI never sends links or APK files over SMS or WhatsApp. Clicking on these unknown links or downloading files can install malicious software on your phone and give fraudsters access to sensitive data.

Once someone installs a suspicious app from outside official app stores, their personal details, banking credentials, and one-time passwords (OTPs) could be compromised.

The government urged users to ignore such messages, not click on links, and never install unknown apps.

Customers should delete the message and report suspicious activity to report.phishing@sbi.co.in for necessary action.

SBI’s official alert

In a parallel alert, the State Bank of India has warned its customers directly that fraudsters are spreading fake APK links claiming to update banking apps or KYC details.

In its official post on social media, SBI stated that these misleading links are part of scams designed to steal money and personal information. Customers are advised to not click, not download, and not interact with these links in any form.

Think before you click! Fraudsters are sending fake APK links claiming to update your banking app. It’s a scam to steal your money! Don’t click. Don’t download. Don’t update. Download apps only from Play Store or App Store. To report cybercrime: Call 1930@DFS_INDIA — State Bank of India (@TheOfficialSBI) October 16, 2025

The bank also reminded customers to protect their personal information, including account details, debit/credit card numbers, PINs, and OTPs. Sharing these with unknown or unverified sources can lead to financial loss. To stay safe, SBI recommends contacting the bank directly via its official helpline or website if you have any doubts about a message’s authenticity.