A viral WhatsApp message claiming that ATMs across the country will remain closed for two to three days has been declared fake by the Press Information Bureau.
In a post on X, PIB Fact Check clarified that there is no such directive, and ATM services will continue to operate as normal. The message has caused unnecessary concern among users, prompting the government’s fact-checking agency to step in.
Fake forwards continue to be a major issue on social media platforms, often leading to confusion and panic. Officials have urged citizens not to share unverified information and to rely only on official sources.
SBI, PNB, other banks say ATMs well stocked, fully functional
State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank and several other lenders on Friday said their ATMs are fully functional, well-stocked, and that digital services are operating smoothly.
The announcements came against the backdrop of reports on social media that ATMs are likely to be shut in the coming days amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
They also said that all their digital services are operating smoothly.
"All our ATMs, CDMs/ADWMs and digital services are fully operational and available for public use," India's largest bank, State Bank of India, said in a post on social media post 'X'.
India's largest lender also advised its customers not to rely on unverified information.
Similar messages have been posted by Bank of Baroda, Punjab and Sindh Bank, Canara Bank and Bank of India.
"All our digital services too are operating smoothly, ensuring a seamless banking experience from the comfort of your home," Punjab National Bank said in a post on social media platform 'X'.
