- Empowering Citizens with Safe Digital Banking Knowledge Across India
Over 27,000 People Sensitised Through Interactive, Real-Life Cyber Safety Sessions
Students, Seniors, SHGs and Customers Trained to Identify and Prevent Online Frauds
Workshops Held with Law Enforcement Agencies to Strengthen Cyber Vigilance
NE LAW & BUSINESS BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, DEC 15
HDFC Bank, India’s leading private sector bank, has intensified its nationwide digital banking awareness drive by conducting over 4,000 cyber fraud awareness workshops across the country since April 2025. Through this large-scale initiative, the Bank has educated more than 27,000 citizens on safe digital banking practices, equipping them to recognise, prevent and respond to cyber frauds effectively.
The workshops were designed for a diverse audience including school and college students, senior citizens, self-help groups (SHGs), customers and bank employees. Conducted as interactive sessions, they combined real-life case studies, storytelling and videos to help participants understand the evolving tactics used by cyber criminals and the importance of staying alert while transacting online. Several workshops were organised in collaboration with Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) to reinforce credibility and practical learning.
Key Focus Areas of the Cyber Fraud Awareness Workshops
Understanding Fraudster Tactics:
Participants were educated on how fraudsters exploit emotions such as fear, urgency and greed. The sessions highlighted common cyber threats including Digital Arrest scams, investment frauds, APK-based frauds, phishing, smishing, vishing, SIM swap scams, remote access frauds and UPI-related frauds, using real-life examples.
Practical Secure Banking Tips:
The workshops emphasised simple yet effective secure banking practices, supported by the Bank’s awareness mascot ‘Vigil Aunty’, who served as a relatable ambassador to reinforce key safety messages for digital users.
Guidelines to Avoid Falling Victim:
Attendees were strongly advised never to share confidential banking or personal information, avoid clicking suspicious links, and refrain from downloading APK files or attachments received via SMS, email or WhatsApp, especially those impersonating banks, government authorities or institutions.
Commenting on the initiative, Manish Agrawal, Senior Executive Vice President – Credit Intelligence and Control, HDFC Bank, said, “Fraudsters are increasingly using social engineering tactics coupled with technology to mislead and exploit customers. Hence it is essential to create awareness among citizens about the various modus operandi used by them, so that they do not share confidential banking data or click on unverified links. The objective of these workshops is to educate participants on secure banking practices that they need to follow so that they do not become victims of such online frauds. Always ‘Pause’, ‘Think’ and ‘Verify’ before taking any action.”
HDFC Bank continues to urge customers to remain vigilant while transacting digitally and to never share confidential banking details with anyone. In case of suspected fraud or unauthorised transactions, customers are advised to immediately inform the bank to block the payment mode and prevent further losses. Victims should also report incidents by calling the 1930 cybercrime helpline launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and lodge a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
