Hyderabad: The alert staff at the State Bank of India (SBI) Chandrayangutta Branch successfully prevented a devastating cyber scam that could have cost an elderly couple ₹46 lakh, their life savings. Here’s a more detailed look at what happened:
The Scam Unfolds
The elderly couple, both retired and living a peaceful life, went to the SBI branch one Friday to request the transfer of ₹46 lakh from their fixed deposit account to an account at ICICI Bank in Aurangabad. The couple appeared nervous and uneasy, which raised suspicions among the bank staff. The senior associate at the counter, B Praveen, sensed that something wasn’t right and quickly escorted the couple to the branch manager, Dr. Shiva Kumar.
How the Cyber Criminals Deceived the Couple
The couple revealed that they had been tricked by cyber criminals who had contacted them through a video call. The scammers pretended to be officers from the CBI and told the couple that their personal information was being used in a massive scam worth ₹100 crore. The scammers further claimed that a person named Sunil Goel, who they said was arrested, had used the couple’s KYC and Aadhar details to open a fake bank account.
The criminals threatened the elderly couple, saying that they were being watched and would be arrested if they didn’t act quickly. They were told that if they didn’t transfer ₹46 lakh from their fixed deposit account immediately, their son would also be arrested.
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The Bank Staff Takes Action
As the couple was being held under duress by the criminals for three days, they went to the bank in desperation to make the transfer. The branch manager, Dr. Shiva Kumar, became even more suspicious when he learned that the transfer was meant for an account in the name of “M/s Mizani Electratech” in Aurangabad.
Realizing that the couple might be victims of a scam, Dr. Shiva Kumar immediately took several actions:
- Contacting the Couple’s Children: He informed the children of the elderly couple, making them aware of the situation.
- Contacting Cyber Crime Helpline: The bank contacted the cyber crime helpline (1930) for assistance and guidance.
- Verifying the Scam: The branch manager also reached out to Canara Bank to verify if an account had been opened using the couple’s details, which was confirmed to be false.
The Couple Is Saved
After verifying the facts and contacting the right authorities, the bank staff was able to prevent the transfer. The elderly couple was informed that they were about to lose their life savings due to the scam. They were relieved and extremely grateful for the quick actions taken by the bank staff, which saved them from a massive financial loss.
The elderly couple thanked the bank staff for their vigilance, which not only helped them avoid financial ruin but also prevented them from falling victim to a cruel and malicious cyber crime scheme.
The Bigger Picture: Cyber Crime on the Rise
This incident highlights the increasing prevalence of cyber crimes targeting vulnerable people, especially the elderly. Criminals are becoming more sophisticated, using fake identities and threats to manipulate victims into giving away large sums of money.
Banks, law enforcement, and the public need to stay vigilant and work together to combat such scams. The quick action of the SBI staff in this case is a testament to how important it is to stay alert and protect people from cyber fraud.
This story also emphasizes the importance of educating people, particularly older adults, about common scams and how to recognize them before they fall victim.
