Bank of Baroda Manager Saves Senior Citizen from losing Rs.87 Lakh to Digital Arrest Scam
Recently, the staff of Bank of Baroda saved a senior citizen from losing her hard-earned money. The staff saved her from falling victim to Digital Arrest. The staff managed to save her from losing her hard-earned Rs.87 Lakhs. The incident took place at Bank of Baroda’s Belthangady branch in the Mangalore Zone. The bank’s quick action helped prevent a major financial loss.
According to M.V. Vinod, Chief Manager, the senior citizen came to the branch and asked to close five fixed deposits worth ₹87 lakh. She said she needed the money for business expansion, but the staff got suspicious because this was a huge amount and was much more than what would be required for her small shop. Vinod also noticed that her hands were shaking and she looked scared. Even after repeated questions, she did not explain the real reason for withdrawing such a large amount.
Sensing that something was wrong, Vinod told the staff not to close the deposits immediately. He informed the customer that the process would be completed the next day. When she returned, she submitted an RTGS form to transfer ₹35 lakh to a company account in Axis Bank, Bhagalpur. Again, she did not give any proper explanation for the payment.
Vinod delayed the transfer to verify the details. He tried calling her, but she stopped answering. Worried about her safety, he went to her house. When he reached, she silently signalled him not to speak. He then noticed a mobile phone on the switchboard with an active video call. A man wearing a police inspector’s uniform appeared on the screen. The police man stated that the lady was involved in a legal case and demanded money to settle the case.
Vinod immediately realised that she was being digitally “arrested.” He took the phone to the Belthangady Police Station. The real police officers tried to trace the scammers, but the fraudsters disconnected the call realizing that their plan had failed.
This incident clearly shows how bank employees play an important role in today’s world. This is not the first such case. A few months ago, an alert bank manager with the State Bank of India (SBI) in central Delhi saved a 68-year-old retired school teacher from becoming a victim of a “digital arrest” scam. The manager saved ₹79 lakh belonging to the victim.
Stay Safe!!
This case once again highlights warnings issued by police and cybercrime officials. No police department ever arrests people or asks for money through video calls. Any suspicious call should be reported immediately to 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in. Authorities advise citizens to disconnect the call right away if anyone pretends to be a police or government officer on a video call. People should report such calls to the National Cybercrime Helpline 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.
