Hyderabad: Cybercrime officials have urged bank staff to play a frontline role in preventing digital arrest scams. This is a rising form of cyber fraud that has already caused massive financial losses across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
After analysing several cases, the police concluded that alert bank employees can detect and stop these scams. They can do this by identifying warning signs in customer behaviour.
Andhra Pradesh reports ₹800 crore losses in a month
Officials noted that digital arrest scams have reached alarming levels. In Andhra Pradesh alone, victims reportedly lost ₹800 crore in just one month. Timely interventions by bank staff in Mahabubnagar, Tiruvur and other locations have already helped prevent some incidents.
To raise awareness, a video clip was circulated on social media. The video showed how staff can question distressed customers and identify scam attempts.
Cybersecurity officials advised that staff should look for customers who appear nervous, tense or under pressure. Simple questions like “Why are you transferring such a large amount?”, “Did someone call you claiming to be from the CBI or ED?”, or “Why are you breaking fixed deposits suddenly?” can help expose ongoing fraud attempts.
If a customer mentions receiving threatening calls from agencies like the CBI, Customs, Enforcement Directorate or local police about a so-called “digital arrest,” staff should immediately alert them that such arrests do not exist. Furthermore, staff should inform customers that they may be speaking to scammers.
Officials stressed that by asking the right questions and offering reassurance, bank staff can stop victims from falling prey to cybercriminals. Moreover, they can prevent them from losing their savings.