- HDFC Bank reaches 1.8 lakh citizens through 8,800-plus workshops nationwide
NE LAW & BUSINESS BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, OCTOBER 27
When a single click can wipe out savings, digital literacy is no longer optional—it is a frontline defence against cybercrime. Recognising the importance of awareness in preventing online fraud, HDFC Bank conducted more than 8,800 cyber-fraud awareness workshops across India between July and October 2026, reaching over 1.8 lakh citizens under its nationwide Cyber Fraud Suraksha campaign.
The initiative sought to help people recognise emerging fraud tactics, adopt safer digital banking habits and make informed decisions before sharing sensitive information or responding to suspicious online requests.
From digital convenience to digital caution
The campaign aimed to strengthen public awareness of evolving cyber threats and promote responsible digital banking practices. Its workshops reached a broad cross-section of society, including school and college students, senior citizens, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), corporate offices, community forums, self-help groups, bank customers and employees.
Through interactive discussions, participants were introduced to common fraud techniques and practical steps to protect themselves while using digital payment platforms, online banking and shopping services.
Digital arrest to job scams: Know the red flags
The sessions covered a range of cyber frauds, including digital arrest scams, investment frauds, fake job offers, malicious APK files and QR-code scams. Real-life examples, stories and videos were used to explain how fraudsters manipulate victims and exploit trust, fear and the promise of quick financial gains.
The workshops also highlighted safe net-banking and online-shopping practices, including the role of Vigil Aunty, HDFC Bank’s digital-awareness initiative, in encouraging vigilance against cyber fraud.
One OTP can cost dear: never share banking secrets
A key message was the need to safeguard confidential banking credentials. Participants were advised never to disclose one-time passwords (OTPs), card verification values (CVVs), debit or credit card credentials, or Unified Payments Interface (UPI) PINs to anyone.
The underlying message was clear: verify before you trust, pause before you pay, and never share confidential banking information in response to unsolicited calls, messages or links.
Awareness must keep pace with cybercrime
Commenting on the campaign, Manish Agrawal, Senior Executive Vice-President – Credit Intelligence and Control, HDFC Bank, said: “Cybercrime is a serious threat, and a lack of awareness often causes people to fall victim to cyber frauds. Therefore, it is essential to create awareness among citizens. The objective of this campaign was to educate participants on the various modus operandi used by fraudsters and the secure banking practices they should follow, so that they stay vigilant and are aware of such fraudulent practices and avoid falling prey to such scams.”
HDFC Bank has urged customers to remain cautious while conducting digital transactions and to protect their confidential banking information. Anyone who suspects that they have fallen victim to cyber fraud should contact their nearest bank branch immediately and call 1930, the national cybercrime helpline.
As digital transactions become an increasingly routine part of everyday life, sustained public awareness remains vital. The challenge is not simply to expand access to digital banking, but to ensure that people have the knowledge and confidence to use it safely.