Onlykashmir.in News Desk
HDFC Bank has 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 initiative, Cyber Fraud Suraksha. The campaign aims to raise awareness about emerging cyber frauds, promote safe digital banking practices and help citizens protect themselves against financial scams as digital transactions become increasingly common.
The workshops targeted a wide range of groups, including school and college students, senior citizens, Resident Welfare Associations, corporate offices, community forums, self-help groups, bank customers and employees. Through interactive sessions, participants learned about common fraud techniques and the precautions needed to safeguard their financial information.
According to the bank, the sessions used real-life examples, stories and videos to explain how fraudsters operate and how individuals can identify suspicious activity before becoming victims. Topics included digital arrest scams, investment frauds, job scams, APK file scams and QR code frauds. The workshops also covered secure net banking and online shopping practices, including the importance of the bank’s Vigil Aunty awareness initiative.
Participants were advised never to share confidential banking details, including one-time passwords (OTPs), card verification values (CVVs), debit and credit card credentials and UPI PINs.
Commenting on the initiative, Manish Agrawal, Senior Executive Vice President, Credit Intelligence and Control, HDFC Bank, said cybercrime posed a serious threat and that a lack of awareness often left people vulnerable to fraud. He said the campaign sought to familiarise participants with the methods used by fraudsters and promote secure banking habits so that citizens could remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to scams.
The bank has urged customers to exercise caution while conducting digital transactions and to refrain from sharing confidential banking information with anyone. Customers who fall victim to cyber fraud have been advised to contact their nearest bank branch immediately and call 1930, the national cybercrime helpline.
Online fraud has grown alongside the spread of digital payments, and scammers often rely on pressure, fear or the promise of quick gains to trick people into revealing information. In a digital arrest scam, for instance, fraudsters pose as officials and claim that the victim is under investigation, while APK file scams involve malicious applications that give criminals access to a phone. Awareness is widely regarded as the first line of defence, since no technical safeguard can protect a customer who willingly hands over an OTP or PIN.
Residents of Jammu and Kashmir, like people elsewhere, are increasingly using mobile banking and UPI for everyday payments, which makes basic cyber hygiene important for everyone. A simple rule that bears repeating is that no genuine bank or official will ask for an OTP, PIN or CVV over a call or message.
