HDFC Bank Advises Citizens on Steps to Take After a Digital Fraud Incident

by

Bhupendra Singh Chundawat

HDFC Bank

Udaipur, October 16 (Daily Kiran): As digital transactions increase during the festive season, HDFC Bank, one of India’s leading private sector banks, has urged citizens to act swiftly and responsibly if they fall victim to digital fraud. The bank has introduced a simple three-step approach, called ‘LBW’, inspired by cricket terminology, to help customers limit losses and enhance recovery chances.

HDFC Bank

The ‘LBW’ Rule Explained

L – Law Enforcement Agencies:
Victims should immediately call the helpline 1930 launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and file a complaint on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal at www.cybercrime.gov.in.
Suspicious messages or calls can also be reported on the Chakshu portal at www.sancharsaathi.gov.in.
Quick reporting significantly improves the chances of recovering stolen funds and helps prevent future frauds.

B – Bank:
Customers must inform their bank immediately and request to block their cards, UPI, or net banking channels to stop further unauthorized transactions. Prompt reporting to the bank can limit additional financial losses.

W – Wipe:
After reporting, users should completely wipe their devices—including mobiles, tablets, or laptops—by deleting all cookies, resetting passwords, and ensuring the device is secure before using digital banking again.

HDFC Bank’s Message on Vigilance

Manish Agrawal, Senior Executive Vice President – Credit Intelligence and Control at HDFC Bank, emphasized the importance of awareness.
He said, “We urge all customers to stay vigilant while transacting digitally. Fraudsters use sophisticated social engineering tactics to exploit people’s emotions. Acting quickly after a fraud improves the chances of fund recovery and helps prevent repeat incidents.”

Common Fraud Types to Watch Out For

HDFC Bank has also cautioned customers against rising cases of:

  • “Digital Arrest” scams, where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officials and threaten victims with fake warrants.

  • Investment scams, involving fake stock, IPO, or cryptocurrency platforms promising unrealistic returns.

  • APK scams, where fraudsters send malicious app files posing as bank or government representatives, allowing them to take control of victims’ phones.

Fraudsters often exploit human emotions using the “GTH” strategy — Greed, Threat, and Help — to manipulate victims.

The bank reiterated its commitment to digital safety awareness and urged citizens to follow the LBW principle — Law enforcement, Bank, Wipe — to safeguard themselves against financial cybercrime.