SBI has stirred buzz across social media and financial circles with claims of a new scheme that offers ₹5 lakh to eligible account holders. The announcement reads like a dream—“Apply now, get ₹5 lakh”—but in today’s information age, it pays to dig deeper before hitting “apply.”
What Is Being Claimed?
According to circulating messages, SBI’s so-called “₹5 Lakh Scheme 2025” is being offered as a special benefit to account holders who meet certain criteria. The posts claim that once you apply and your account is verified, the bank will deposit ₹5 lakh into your account directly. Some versions of the message add qualifiers like being a long-term customer, holding a certain balance minimum, or having Aadhaar linkage and KYC compliance already completed.
Current Evidence and Credibility
At present, there is no official confirmation from SBI that such a scheme exists. SBI frequently launches schemes, offers, and deposit products (such as special fixed deposits), but nothing credible supports the notion of a ₹5 lakh benefit. Most of the coverage around this topic stems from promotional blogs or viral forwards with unverifiable claims.
SBI is best known for its fixed deposit products, recurring deposit plans, and other banking services, rather than handing out large sums as gift schemes. While FD products allow people to deposit ₹5 lakh and earn interest on it, that is not the same as SBI depositing ₹5 lakh for you.
Why Such Claims Go Viral
- Emotional appeal: The idea of “free money” generates clicks and shares rapidly.
- Minimal verification: Many social media users forward messages without confirming authenticity.
- Mimicking shape: Some fraud campaigns use graphics and branding that mimic genuine bank material.
- Data harvesting risk: Such offers may be attempts to lure users into entering sensitive personal or banking information.
What You Should Do Right Now
- Before applying for such a scheme, always verify via official SBI channels—like their customer service or bank branch.
- Never share your OTP, bank PIN, or full Aadhaar number through unknown links or forms.
- Watch for official announcements by SBI through their verified social media pages or notices in major newspapers.
- If you spot suspicious links or forms using the SBI name with this scheme, treat them as potential scams.
Possible Alternatives You Might Be Confusing
While the ₹5 lakh “gift” scheme is unconfirmed, SBI does run a variety of deposit and benefit schemes. For instance, they offer fixed deposit accounts where individuals can deposit ₹5 lakh or more and earn interest over a period of time. Returns in such cases depend on the interest rate and tenure chosen. Also, SBI periodically revises its special FD rates and introduces offers under names like “Patrons FD” for super senior citizens.
Final Word
As tempting as the idea of getting ₹5 lakh for doing nothing might sound, there is no validated evidence that SBI has launched such a scheme for 2025. Most indicators suggest this is likely a viral hoax or a misleading promotional message. Until SBI issues a verified statement, it’s best to treat this claim with skepticism and avoid sharing your personal data based on such messages.
