Bank Staff's Vigilance Saves Retired Official from Rs 35 Lakh Cyber Heist in Lucknow
The sharp instincts and prompt action of bank personnel at a Lucknow branch successfully shielded a retired municipal corporation employee from a highly sophisticated cyber fraud scheme. The elaborate scam, which involved a so-called "digital arrest," aimed to siphon off a staggering sum of Rs 35 lakh from the unsuspecting victim.
Incident Unfolds at Bank of Maharashtra Branch
According to detailed reports from officials at the Bank of Maharashtra's zonal office in Lucknow, the alarming episode transpired on the morning of February 6. At approximately 11:00 AM, Chhedilal Patel, a former employee of the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC), arrived at the branch and settled into the customer waiting area.
It was during this routine visit that Patel received a distressing phone call from individuals claiming to be cybercrime investigators. The fraudsters asserted that financial transactions associated with Patel were under intense scrutiny in relation to the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
Fraudsters Employ Intimidation Tactics
To lend credibility to their threatening narrative and to thoroughly unsettle the retired official, the cyber criminals proceeded to divulge highly sensitive personal information. They accurately recited Patel's Aadhaar number, PAN card details, and various other confidential identifiers, thereby amplifying his anxiety and confusion.
The coercive phone conversation persisted for nearly ninety minutes. As the call dragged on, Patel grew increasingly agitated and began inadvertently disclosing even more of his personal and financial particulars to the individuals on the other end of the line.
Bank Employees Spot the Red Flags
Observant staff members at the bank branch noticed Patel's unusual behavior. He was seen pacing nervously in the waiting area while engaged in an incessant, seemingly urgent phone discussion. Recognizing the potential signs of a financial scam in progress, the bank officials decided to intervene.
Their timely approach and inquiry into the situation allowed them to identify the fraudulent nature of the call. The bank team immediately counseled Patel, clarified the deceptive tactics being used, and prevented any financial transfer or disclosure that could have led to the massive loss of Rs 35 lakh.
This incident underscores the critical role that vigilant banking professionals play in safeguarding customers from increasingly complex cyber fraud operations. It also serves as a stark reminder for the public to remain extremely cautious of unsolicited calls that invoke legal or investigative threats to extract personal information or money.
