HDFC Bank Takes This Big Step To Raise Awareness On Fraud Prevention

HDFC Bank Ltd. announced the commencement of the second edition of its "Mooh Band Rakho" campaign in support of International Fraud Awareness Week 2021, following the remarkable success of the first edition in 2020. The bank seeks to raise consciousness about all forms of scams and the need of having your mouth closed to combat them through this campaign.

The bank has said in its official announcement that "it will be conducting over 2,000 workshops in the next 4 months across the country to help customers understand how they can safeguard themselves against financial fraud. The campaign reminds customers that there are many situations in which it is better not to disclose information, especially when it comes to banking details. Special focus is being given to the youth segment, where the bank will be targeting Senior Secondary Schools & Colleges so that the awareness is ingrained."

Dr. K. Rajeswara Rao (IAS), Special Secretary, NITI Aayog, inaugurated the "Mooh Band Rakho" campaign during a virtual event on November 15, 2021. Retd. Lt General Dr Rajesh Pant, National Cyber Security Co-ordinator, Government of India, and Mr. Sashidhar Jagdishan, MD and CEO, HDFC Bank, were also present at the ceremony.

HDFC Bank has also claimed in its official announcement that "Digital frauds have undergone a sea change since the beginning of the pandemic. Today's fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated in order to gain people's trust. Many of these frauds are now being perpetrated during weekdays and working hours to trick customers into believing that the calls and offers are contractual. A fraud dispute time analysis by HDFC Bank revealed that in the first three months of this financial year, 65-70% of cyber frauds happened between 7.00 AM and 7.00 PM. Also, fraudsters are not targeting senior citizens only. HDFC Bank's analysis further revealed that 80-85% of the affected customers were in the age group 22-50, and supposedly belonged to the more tech-savvy age bracket."

As a result, HDFC Bank's Mooh Band Rakho campaign this year is encouraging customers to undertake a promise not to disclose confidential banking details with anyone. The bank launched the campaign to coincide with International Fraud Awareness Week 2021 that runs from November 15 to November 21, a global drive to reduce the consequences of fraud. HDFC Bank will take part for the third year in a row.

"Digitalization offers customers unparalleled convenience and access to banking services. With these conveniences comes a lot of risks of cyber frauds as well. The fraudsters are constantly on the prowl looking out for gullible customers. It is critical to be always alert and mindful of talking and chatting with strangers. Customers need to protect their wealth and savings by following certain hygiene rules. For example don't pick up unknown calls; Don't click on SMS and mails from strangers. Don't share OTP, card numbers, passwords or PINS etc.," said Sashidhar Jagdishan, MD & CEO, HDFC Bank. "At HDFC Bank we are constantly updating our technology, processes and systems to mitigate emerging cyber security threats. Creating awareness is a critical step in this journey and we are therefore delighted to launch the Mooh Band Rakho campaign to educate people on how to keep their mouth shut about their personal and financial information and in doing so, keep their account safe."

"Ensuring the safety and security of financial information of the general public has been a cause close to my heart. Unscrupulous elements have always preyed on the vulnerable. I hope these workshops will bridge the gaps in information that give rise to such vulnerabilities and help keep more bank accounts safe," said Dr. K. Rajeswara Rao (IAS), Special Secretary, NITI Aayog.

"With over 1.1 billion phones and more than 700 million internet users in India, cybersecurity is an essential service today. The cybersecurity landscape in the country is rapidly changing and there is a growing need for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to guard against constantly emerging threats. The Mooh Band Rakho campaign by HDFC Bank is a good step in this direction and I am happy to be present at the launch of this campaign ," said Lt Gen Dr Rajesh Pant, National Cyber Security Coordinator, PMO, Government of India.

Important notes from HDFC Bank for the general public including bank customers

• HDFC Bank or any other bank will never ask for your OTP, NetBanking/MobileBanking password, Customer ID, UPI PIN for deferring your EMI payments.
• Please do not share any confidential details with anyone over phone, SMS, Email

Secure Banking tips by HDFC Bank

• Do not click on unknown links in messages, social media posts
• Do not share PIN, passwords, bank details with anyone.
• Keep your bank informed when you change your address, contact number or email ID.
• An HDFC Bank representative will call you if any suspicious transaction is noticed in your account / card. The bank will call from phone number - 61607475.
• Always save your regional phone banking number on your contacts list, which will help in case of emergencies when your card is lost or stolen or you get a suspicious transaction
• You can report suspicious transactions by calling HDFC bank on 61606161 or on toll-free number - 18002586161 to reach HDFC Bank's Phone Banking Or National CyberCrime Helpline Number 155260 for 8 states
• Do not conduct banking transactions from your mobile, tablet, laptop, when it is connected to public / free Wi-Fi, which is open and therefore unsecured.

Basic safeguards, such as not clicking on unfamiliar links and sharing card details, CVV, expiration date, and OTP NetBanking/ MobileBanking Login ID & Password through phone, SMS, email, and social media, can assist you to keep your money secure and counter banking frauds or scams.