Complaint against SBI

[Zombie96]

Around 1.5 years ago, my bank (SBI) made three unauthorized hard pulls on my CIBIL report when I applied for a credit card, without my consent.

1. This significantly damaged my credit score, making me ineligible for regular credit cards at the time.
2. Despite providing proof of these hard pulls, the bank did not restore my score or take accountability.
3. Instead, they pressured me to open a fixed deposit of ₹30,000 and gave me a credit card with a ₹22,000 limit against it.
4. I am a salaried individual, yet they treated me like a credit risk instead of correcting their mistake.
5. I’m now demanding a written explanation from the bank regarding their actions and refusal to reverse the damage.
6. My CIBIL score is now 798, thanks to responsible credit usage—not because of any help from the bank.
7. Despite this, the bank has repeatedly called me over the past year, trying to sell me personal loans, likely after seeing my updated score.
8. I suspect this hard-pull + FD trick may be a systematic tactic used on other customers as well.
9. I demand an inquiry against the branch manager and the specific employee involved, and I also want help closing my FD-linked credit card, which cannot be done via the app.

How to proceed with this?

 

[TaxWiser]

Around 1.5 years ago, my bank (SBI) made three unauthorized hard pulls on my CIBIL report when I applied for a credit card, without my consent.

1. This significantly damaged my credit score, making me ineligible for regular credit cards at the time.
2. Despite providing proof of these hard pulls, the bank did not restore my score or take accountability.
3. Instead, they pressured me to open a fixed deposit of ₹30,000 and gave me a credit card with a ₹22,000 limit against it.
4. I am a salaried individual, yet they treated me like a credit risk instead of correcting their mistake.
5. I’m now demanding a written explanation from the bank regarding their actions and refusal to reverse the damage.
6. My CIBIL score is now 798, thanks to responsible credit usage—not because of any help from the bank.
7. Despite this, the bank has repeatedly called me over the past year, trying to sell me personal loans, likely after seeing my updated score.
8. I suspect this hard-pull + FD trick may be a systematic tactic used on other customers as well.
9. I demand an inquiry against the branch manager and the specific employee involved, and I also want help closing my FD-linked credit card, which cannot be done via the app.

How to proceed with this?

Steps to File a Complaint Against SBI and the Involved Employees​

1. Gather Strong Evidence First
Before filing a complaint, ensure you have proper evidence to support your claims. This includes:

• Screenshots of any relevant transactions or conversations
• Call recordings (if legally permissible) of discussions with bank representatives
• Written records such as emails, complaint reference numbers, or denial responses
• Official documents reflecting the unauthorized hard pulls on your CIBIL report

Without solid evidence, your complaint may lack credibility, making resolution difficult and leading to a waste of time and effort

2. Raise an Initial Complaint with SBI Customer Care

• Send a formal email to SBI’s customer service detailing the unauthorized hard pulls and the forced FD-linked credit card issue
• Keep the response (or lack of response) as a record for further escalation

3. Escalate the Complaint If Ignored
If SBI fails to address the issue, escalate the matter referencing your previous complaint:

• RBI Ombudsman: To demand corrective action against the bank for unauthorized credit inquiries.
• CPGRAMS (Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System): To initiate an inquiry into the specific bank employees involved.

4. Closing the FD-Linked Credit Card
Since app-based closure is unavailable, take the following steps:

• Draft a formal letter requesting the termination of the FD-linked credit card and the transfer of the fixed deposit amount into your savings account
• Submit this letter to your home branch and ensure you obtain an acknowledgment
• If the branch refuses, include this issue in your broader complaint to RBI Ombudsman & CPGRAMS, further strengthening your case

5. Utilize AI for Precision
Leverage AI tools to draft:

• Your formal complaint letter to SBI and regulatory bodies
• A structured request for closing the FD-linked credit card
• Any necessary follow-ups to ensure clear and professional communication

Final Advice​

Start by closing the FD-linked credit card first. If the bank resolves this issue, great—otherwise, escalate it along with your broader complaint for greater impact.

(Source: Labour Law Advisor YT Channel, Summarized Using Samsung Note Assist)

 

[Zombie96]

Thanks for all the info—really appreciate it!