News Roll
RBI launches awareness drive to caution customers against scams
Recognising that SMS , email and phone call are fraudsters ’ favourite platforms to ensnare gullible users , the Reserve Bank of India ( RBI ) has decided to beat the fraudsters at their own game by using these tools to spread awareness among customers . The banking regulator plans to send emails and SMSes to the general public cautioning them against falling prey to “ unsolicited and fictitious offers received through emails / SMSes / phone calls .”
Now , how can customers ascertain whether these messages are genuine or not ? To start with , they should look for messages from the ‘ RBISAY ’ sender ID . This is the first time it will be using the same media ( SMS and emails ) as those used by the fraudsters . Make it a habit to ignore or report any messages that seek bank or card details and PIN . Do not believe any SMSes that claim that you have won a lottery . “ Members of public can give a missed call to 8691960000 to get more information through Interactive Voice Response System ( IVRS ) on fake calls / emails as well as investing wisely and cautiously in chit funds ,” an official release said . Despite constant warnings from RBI and other financial regulators , such frauds are rampant , swindling unsuspecting customers across the country . Many masquerade as official emails to gain customers ’ trust and elicit bank details , password or even an ‘ advance fee ’ to transfer lottery winnings . The central bank ’ s latest move aims to counter tricksters by using similar platforms . In addition to anti-fraud warnings , the messages will also educate individuals about various banking regulations and facilities available to them . The initiative which carries the tagline ‘ Suno RBI kya kehta hai ,’ will also seek feedback on the campaign by email . Customers who want to share their suggestions can send an email to rbikehtahai @ rbi . org . in .
While RBI ’ s proactive communication will certainly help , it would do well not to leave out Whatsapp from its ambit , given that it is fast becoming their new platform of choice to trap gullible users . insured that one can opt for under the policy is `1 lakh , while the maximum is `1 crore . Any adult insuranceseeker who uses internet facility on a computer system and digital devices is eligible for this cover .
Max Bupa launches ATH machines for instant policy issuance
Soon , health insurance-seekers will be able to get health insurance policies issued through machines , without human intervention . Standalone private health insurer Max Bupa has announced the launch of AnyTimeHealth ( ATH ) machines , a technology-based solution that the company claims will allows insurance-seekers to run instant health assessment , choose the policy best suited for them and leave with the policy document in hand within three minutes . To avail of the facility , the proposer has to register using email and phone number , proceed to a health assessment , evaluate an automated health insurance policy recommendation based on details entered and pay the premium to complete the instantaneous policy issuance process . The machines will installed at the company ’ s banking distribution partners ’ branches , including those of Bank of Baroda . In the first phase , the company will install 20 ATH machines at its partner banks ’ branches across multiple cities . In the next 12-15 months , the health insurer plans to put up these machines across retail locations such as malls , housing societies , airport lounges and hotels .
editor @ outlookmoney . com
24
Outlook Money December 2017 www . outlookmoney . com