Operation Sindoor: Given the rising tensions between two nuclear states – India and Pakistan – there have been a barrage of measures that the Government of India has been taking, including training citizens to be prepared for emergencies such as attacks and strikes. Amid this, a claim has gone viral suggesting that the government is planning to shut down ATMs for a few days following a cyberattack. The message also urges people to avoid online transactions.

What does the viral WhatsApp message say?

The WhatsApp message starts with: “Indo vs Pak important”. It then said that the ATMs will shut down across India due to a cyber-attack amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. 

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“ATMs will be closed for the next 2-3 days, probably, due to ransomware cyber-attack…,” it stated, before urging people to avoid “doing any online transactions”. 

It further said, “Please inform all your contacts from your list not to open a video called the ‘dance of Hillary’. It is a virus that formats your mobile. Beware, it is very dangerous. They announced it today on BBC Radio.” 

The message also “informed” people that there has been a “massive ransomware attack” on “74 countries”: “Please do not open any email which has attachments.”

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So, will the ATMs be closed pan-India?

When PIB’s fact-check unit came across this post, it flagged it as fake news. “Are ATMs closed? A viral WhatsApp message claims ATMs will be closed for 2–3 days. This message is FAKE,” it said. 

It further added, “ATMs will continue to operate as usual,” before urging people to verify the information before they share it. 

‘Don’t fall for unverified information’: SBI

“All our ATMs, CDMs/ASWMs and digital services are fully operational and available for public use,” SBI said in a statement. It urged its customers not to rely on unverified information. 

‘ATMs, other digital channels operational’: Bank of Baroda

A statement attributed to Bank of Baroda spokesperson stated, “Bank of Baroda’s ATMs and other digital channels are operational and functioning normally across the country. Your banking experience remains uninterrupted.”

PNB’s important announcement

“All PNB ATMs are fully functional and well-stocked with cash for your convenience. Whether you’re withdrawing money, checking your balance, or using any of our ATM services – we’re here and ready to serve you 24×7. All our digital services too are operating smoothly, ensuring a seamless banking experience from the comfort of your home,” PNB said in a statement.

‘Committed to serve you 24×7’: Union Bank of India

“All our bank’s ATMs and digital banking services, including mobile and internet banking, are fully functional and operational,” read a statement from Union Bank of India. 

It added, “We remain committed to serving you seamlessly, 24×7.”

‘All ATMs are functioning’: Bank of India

“There’s NO TRUTH to the claim that all ATMs have been closed. All ATMs are functioning as usual and continue to dispense cash without any interruptions. Please don’t fall for false messages or forward unverified information,” Bank of India stated. 

It urged customers to be wary of rumours and “stay informed and smart”. 

‘No disruption in ATM services’: Punjab & Sind Bank

“This is to bring to your notice that Punjab & Sind Bank ATMs are functioning normally across all locations. There is no disruption in ATM services, and customers can continue to access cash withdrawals and other services as usual,” read a public notice issued by Punjab & Sind Bank. 

It added, “You can continue using all services without interruption.”

‘Don’t believe the rumours’: UCO Bank

“All UCO Bank ATMs are working smoothly with sufficient cash. Digital services are live 24×7,” said UCO Bank. 

The statement added, “We urge you to ignore any rumours regarding the non-functioning of ATMs or disruption in banking services.”

Central Bank of India’s announcement

“Dear Customer, Our ATMs are fully operational and adequately stocked with cash. Please do not believe in any rumours suggesting otherwise. Thank you for your continued trust,” an announcement from the Central Bank of India read.

Don’t fall for viral social media claims

“In the coming days, your social media will be flooded with Pakistan-sponsored propaganda. It’s crucial to scrutinise every piece of information carefully,” PIB Fact Check said in a statement. 

It added, “A coordinated misinformation campaign is being waged by Pakistani social media. Their objective is to sow mistrust, confusion and panic in India. Do not fall prey to deliberately spreading misinformation.”

“Stay alert, stay vigilant,” it further said, stressing that India needs to fight against propaganda spread by Pakistan.