HDFC Bank Issues Public Advisory on Digital Arrest Fraud, Encourages Vigilance Against Online Scams

Udaipur: HDFC Bank, India’s largest private sector bank, has issued an important advisory urging citizens to be vigilant against rising instances of digital arrest fraud. This advisory aims to protect individuals and businesses from cybercriminals posing as law enforcement officers or government officials who falsely claim victims face a “digital arrest warrant” due to alleged tax evasion, regulatory violations, or financial misconduct.

Victims are then coerced into paying a “settlement fee” or “penalty” to avoid the alleged arrest, after which the fraudsters disappear, leaving victims not only with financial losses but, at times, exposed to identity theft due to the personal information they shared.

Speaking on the growing prevalence of this scam, Mr. Manish Agrawal, Senior Executive Vice President – Credit Intelligence and Control at HDFC Bank, said, “Fraudsters are exploiting people’s fear by impersonating government authorities. It’s essential that individuals verify any claims made by contacting actual law enforcement through official channels. Vigilance and awareness are key to preventing such frauds.”

Tips to Protect Yourself from Digital Arrest Fraud

1. Real Government Officials Will Not Ask for Payment: Genuine law enforcement agencies or government representatives will never demand payment or banking details to resolve legal issues.
2. Beware of Urgency and Panic Tactics: Scammers create a false sense of urgency to pressure individuals into quick, unconsidered actions.
3. Do Not Share Sensitive Information: Keep your KYC details, bank user ID, passwords, card details, CVV, OTPs, or PIN secure and private. Avoid sharing these with unknown parties.
4. Verify the Officer’s Identity: Independently contact the alleged government representative or agency before responding to any claims.
5. Check for Errors and Avoid Suspicious Links: Fraudulent documents often contain spelling errors or suspicious formatting. Refrain from clicking on unfamiliar links, which may lead to phishing attempts.
6. Report Suspected Fraud: Report any suspected fraudulent communications to the Department of Telecommunication’s Chakshu Portal at http://www.sancharsaathi.gov.in.

Importance of Cyber Vigilance in October, National Cyber Security Awareness Month

The month of October is observed as National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM), with the theme for 2023 being “Cyber Surakshit Bharat” (#SatarkNagrik). This theme emphasizes the importance of vigilance and proactive security practices to combat online fraud.

In the unfortunate event of falling victim to digital fraud, HDFC Bank advises customers to promptly report unauthorized transactions to the bank to block payment channels such as cards, UPI, or net banking, which will help safeguard against further losses. Victims should also file a report by calling the Ministry of Home Affairs’ (MHA) helpline at 1930 or submitting a complaint on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.

This public advisory is part of HDFC Bank’s commitment to promoting secure banking and protecting its customers against emerging online threats. The bank continues to support cyber security awareness efforts in partnership with government agencies, fostering a vigilant and well-informed digital banking community.

Related