Banks on toes to keep cybercriminals at bay

PATNA: With the alarming rise in cybercrime cases, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), along with its regulated entities, have been communicating to the people about the ways to prevent the menace. The RBI and Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of Bihar Police have been using newspapers, television channels and radio networks to spread awareness among the people about the latest modus operandi of the fraudsters.Two things that the banks ask its customers to be aware of are the phishing links sent through messages or emails by unknown people, and calls asking to update details of bank KYC, Aadhaar Card or credit cards, or informing one that he/she has won a lottery.

“Unless you share your password, they can’t do anything, this is the only saving grace,” said former State Level Bankers’ Committee (Bihar) AGM Rajiv Kumar Das.

“We send emails to our customers asking them not to click on links sent by unknown numbers or IDs, or share OTPs. Also, after every transaction, a message is sent by the bank with a helpline number or email ID for raising any dispute,” said a senior manager of a private bank who didn’t wish to be named.

If a dispute is raised, the bank immediately freezes the account with the customers’ consent to avoid further such mishaps, and a complaint is registered. It is then forwarded to the bank’s grievance redressal cell which investigates the matter. But, if a customer shares a password or OTP, it becomes his/her liability, and the banks can do nothing much, said the senior banker.

“Generally, the cybercriminals share a link, playing with people’s fear that Aadhaar or credit card, or net banking will be blocked; but once you click it, your money is gone. Hence, never reply to these unwanted messages or calls,” Das said.

Banks never call or send links saying your account is blocked or will be deactivated, demanding account details or OTP. “If you receive such a call, saying it’s from the bank, disconnect the line and contact it directly,” he said, adding the Bihar government publishes such awareness ads twice a month, including one published last week.

And if the money is lost due to the customers’ negligence, banks can’t help. “Say you gave the keys of your lockers to thieves, the bank is not responsible. Similarly, in online transactions, when you share your OTP, the bank can do nothing,” Das said.