PIB Fact Check: Will ATMs Be Closed For the Next 3 Days in India Due to India-Pakistan WAR?

India-Pakistan tensions are rising, and so are rumours on social media, which has now become a host of fake news. A viral WhatsApp message is currently circulating which has claimed that ATMs across India will remain closed for the next 2-3 days. This message is being widely circulated on platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Telegram and has sparked a lot of panic among people. The viral forward warns people to withdraw cash immediately and avoid online transactions due to an alleged cybersecurity threat.

Post Operation Sindoor, Indian citizens are already under fear of a potential threat and this has only added to the existing confusion among many, especially due to national security concerns due to the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict.

PIB Fact Check Confirms: No ATM Closure in India

Press Information Bureau of India responded quickly to the viral misinformation, labelling the claim as completely false.
The PIB Fact Check team posted an official clarification on X, stating, "A viral #WhatsApp message claims ATMs will be closed for 2-3 days. This message is FAKE. ATMs will continue to operate as usual. Do not share unverified information."

What Was the Fake Claim?

According to the msg, ATMs across India were announced to be shut down for 2-3 days. Even online banking and UPI would remain non-operational.

All of these statements have now been verified as false, with no such advisory issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Ministry of Finance, or any government body.

Are ATM Services Operating Normally?

Yes. ATM machines across India are operating as usual, including in sensitive regions like Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Delhi NCR, where some schools and airports were closed due to heightened security after the drone and missile attack seen in those areas.

Additionally, online banking, UPI payments, mobile wallets, and credit/debit card services are functioning without any restrictions. Banks including SBI, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, etc., have not issued any notice regarding disruptions in digital transactions.

Importance of Avoiding Fake News During Conflicts As Such

During times like these when there is political tension or military operations like Operation Sindoor, there is often a surge in fake news, propaganda videos, and misinformation campaigns that only aim to create panic among individuals and create a sense of fear.

So it becomes the need of the hour to stay informed with correct information and always verify news if something seems fishy. Official government channels like PIBFactCheck, RBI, or MEA India are relentlessly providing news and busting fake news that is in circulation.

In case you come across any fake news, instantly report these messages to cybercrime.gov.in or via the National Cyber Crime Helpline.