PNB Officials Prevent Customer from Falling Victim to Cyber Fraud

Hamirpur, September 2: The alertness of officials at Punjab National Bank’s Bhumphal branch saved a customer from falling victim to a cyber fraud involving nearly ₹70 lakh.

Branch Manager Ankita Sandal, Deputy Manager Meenakshi Sharma and Sanjay Sood said a customer visited the branch on August 25 and sought information about transferring a large sum of money from his account in another bank to his Punjab National Bank account and subsequently transferring the amount to a company’s account. He said the money was intended to purchase a flat for his son.

The bank officials said that on August 29, the customer deposited ₹55 lakh into his account at the Bhumphal branch and subsequently requested that the entire amount be transferred to an ICICI Bank account.

The transaction raised suspicion among the PNB officials, who contacted the customer’s son. On August 31, the customer again visited the branch and requested transfer of the funds. When bank officials repeatedly questioned him and urged him to disclose the facts, he revealed what had happened.

The customer had been receiving WhatsApp calls since August 19 from individuals using the name and photograph of a police officer. He was allegedly being blackmailed and threatened with arrest if he failed to transfer money. Frightened by the threats, the customer was attempting to transfer the funds.

The bank officials said the incident was a case of ‘digital arrest’ and cyber fraud. After learning the true nature of the incident, the customer heaved a sigh of relief and deposited the money in a fixed deposit.

PNB officials have appealed to the public to remain vigilant against such frauds and immediately report any suspicious activity to the concerned authorities or bank.

Samagra Sikhsha