Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Superintendent of Police, Cyber Crime, Rahul Gupta, IPS, on Tuesday felicitated two bank managers for their alertness, empathy and proactive intervention that helped prevent major financial losses to senior citizen customers targeted by cyber fraudsters.
In a press note issued by SP Cyber Crime, it was stated that the felicitation was in recognition of the role played by the bank officials in two separate cases, where their vigilance led to a significant reduction in the amount that could have been lost to cyber fraud.
In the first case related to a “digital arrest” scam, a South Goa–based victim, Sanjana (name changed), approached the Canara Bank branch at Chicalim to prematurely break her fixed deposit. The Branch Manager, Ms. Smita Vasant Rane, grew suspicious after enquiring about the reason and observing the victim’s unusual behaviour. The following day, when the victim returned to open her locker and sell gold, the manager again questioned the need for such large transactions.
While at the bank, the victim began receiving repeated phone calls and appeared visibly distressed. On further questioning, she disclosed that she was being pressured to immediately transfer money. Verification revealed that cyber fraudsters were impersonating officials of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India and the Mumbai Crime Branch, falsely claiming that her SIM card was involved in illegal activities and that she was under “digital arrest.” After counselling by the Branch Manager, the victim realised the fraud and promptly reported the matter to the 1930 Cyber Helpline, averting further loss.
In another case, Mr. Vinu Thomas, Branch Manager of HDFC Bank, Old Goa, noticed suspicious circumstances when his customer, Ramesh (name changed), attempted to make large RTGS transfers. Though the victim appeared calm and stated that the funds were for a property purchase, scrutiny of his bank statement revealed credits from Muthoot Finance, indicating that gold had been sold.
Sensing a possible scam, Mr. Vinu contacted the customer later in the evening and educated him about cyber frauds. After reflecting on the conversation, the victim consulted the bank manager again the next morning and confirmed that he had fallen prey to an investment scam. The timely intervention prevented further financial loss.
SP Rahul Gupta, IPS, felicitated both Ms. Smita Vasant Rane and Mr. Vinu Thomas for their vigilance and commitment to customer safety. He also appealed to bank staff and the general public to remain alert to cyber frauds and to spread awareness.
Citizens who realise they are victims of cyber fraud have been advised to immediately call the 1930 Cyber Helpline or lodge a complaint at www.cybercrime.gov.in. Both cases are currently under investigation at the Cyber Crime Police Station.
