Rohini branch employee spots suspicious FD liquidation and third-party transfer request, helping protect elderly couple from cyber fraud
Mumbai (Economy India): Staff members of HDFC Bank helped prevent a suspected ‘digital arrest’ fraud worth ₹1.12 crore involving a senior citizen, the private sector lender said on Thursday.
The incident took place at a bank branch in Rohini, New Delhi, where an elderly couple had approached the branch to liquidate fixed deposits worth ₹1.12 crore and transfer the proceeds to an unknown third-party bank account.
Bank Employee Notices Suspicious Behaviour
According to HDFC Bank, a branch employee noticed that the elderly couple appeared anxious and were continuously communicating with someone over a video call.
The unusual behaviour, combined with the request to liquidate a substantial fixed deposit and transfer the funds to an unknown third-party account, raised concerns among the bank staff.
The employee then engaged with the customers and intervened before the transaction could be completed.
What Is a ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam?
In a digital arrest scam, fraudsters typically impersonate police officers, government officials or other authorities and falsely accuse victims of being involved in a crime.
Victims may be pressured into staying on video calls and following instructions, including transferring money to accounts controlled by the fraudsters.
The scam relies heavily on fear, urgency and psychological pressure to prevent victims from independently verifying the claims.
₹1.12 Crore Saved From Potential Fraud
In this case, the bank staff’s intervention prevented the senior citizens from transferring the ₹1.12 crore to the suspected third-party account.
The incident highlights the importance of vigilance by both financial institutions and customers, particularly when large-value transactions are being initiated under unusual or suspicious circumstances.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Bank | HDFC Bank |
| Fraud Type | ‘Digital Arrest’ scam |
| Potential Loss Prevented | ₹1.12 crore |
| Location | Rohini, New Delhi |
| Victims | Senior citizen couple |
| Funds | Fixed Deposits |
| Suspicious Request | Transfer to unknown third-party account |
| Warning Signs | Anxiety and continuous video call |
| Outcome | Bank staff intervened and prevented the transaction |
Importance of Customer Awareness
Cybersecurity experts and financial institutions have repeatedly advised customers not to share banking credentials, OTPs or personal information with unknown callers.
Customers should also independently verify any claims made by individuals posing as law enforcement or government officials.
Banks can play an important role by identifying unusual transaction patterns and engaging with customers when potentially suspicious activity is detected.
(Economy India)
