The Bank educated over 28,000 citizens on Safe Digital Banking Practices in the New Year

January 24, 2024: HDFC Bank as a part of its ongoing digital banking awareness drive, conducted a series of secure banking workshops in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir. The Bank started 2024 by organizing over 900 such workshops sensitizing over 28,000 citizens on safe digital banking practices.

These workshops were aimed at educating school cum college students, customers, law enforcement agencies, senior citizens, self-help groups, and employees. Through these interactive sessions, participants gained valuable insights on safe digital banking practices so that they don’t fall prey to Cyber Frauds.

The workshop covered an array of pertinent topics, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of digital security:
1. IFAW’s Background: Attendees were introduced to the mission/role of International Fraud Awareness Week in advocating digital awareness.
2. Cyber Fraud Awareness: Detailed discussions were held explaining common cyber threats like Vishing, Phishing, Smishing, remote device access, SIM swap, and UPI frauds. Real-life examples were used to deepen understanding.
3. Secure Net-banking and Shopping Tips: The sessions highlighted best practices for secure online transactions, spotlighting the significance of Vigil Aunty and offering invaluable tips for safe online shopping.
4. Preventive Measures: Attendees were guided not to divulge sensitive information such as OTPs, CVVs, Debit/Credit card PINs, and UPI pins.

Commenting on this Mr. Manish Agrawal, Executive Vice President – Credit Intelligence and Control – HDFC Bank said, “Financial Education and Awareness about frauds while transacting play a vital role in the fast-evolving digital era. The objective of these awareness sessions is to educate participants on various modus operandi used by fraudsters and the secure banking practices that they need to follow. Awareness is the first step from falling a prey to cyber frauds.”

In the current financial year, HDFC Bank has conducted over 6,200 such session PAN India and reached out to over 79,000 participants covering various segments of society.

The Bank encourages customers to be cautious and adopt safe banking habits while transacting digitally and avoid sharing their confidential banking information with anyone. In case a customer falls prey to frauds, they must get in touch with their respective branch immediately and call 1930 (Helpline number by National Cybercrime Reporting Portal).