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SVC Co-operative Bank has conducted a nationwide cyber fraud awareness campaign across 213 housing societies, reaching more than 19,061 residents through its network of 203 branches across 10 states and one Union Territory. The initiative focused on educating residents about phishing, investment scams, impersonation, OTP and UPI frauds, QR code scams, digital arrest frauds and fake customer care calls. Bank officials also shared basic cyber hygiene practices and advised residents to report suspected fraud through the National Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 or the government’s cybercrime reporting portal.
SVC Co-operative Bank Ltd, formerly known as The Shamrao Vithal Co-operative Bank Ltd, has conducted a large-scale cyber fraud awareness campaign across its branch network, taking digital safety education directly to housing societies. The initiative covered 213 housing societies and reached more than 19,061 residents across the bank's operational footprint of 10 states and one Union Territory.
As part of the campaign, employees from SVC Bank's 203 branches visited housing societies within their respective branch catchment areas and conducted interactive awareness sessions. The outreach was designed to help residents identify common digital financial frauds and adopt safer practices while using online banking and payment services.
The sessions included presentations on emerging cyber fraud trends, educational videos and practical guidance on protecting digital banking credentials. Participants were sensitised to several forms of fraud, including phishing attempts, fake investment schemes, impersonation scams, OTP and UPI frauds, QR code scams, digital arrest frauds and fraudulent customer care calls.
Bank officials also explained how customers can distinguish genuine banking communications from suspicious messages. The sessions covered the identification of official banking and promotional sender IDs and encouraged residents to verify the authenticity of links, callers and communications before sharing information or carrying out transactions.
The campaign comes amid increasing concerns over cyber-enabled financial fraud in India. According to government data cited by the bank, more than 12.7 lakh cyber fraud complaints involving suspected fraudulent transactions of over INR 10,178 crore were reported during the first six months of 2026. The figures highlight the growing importance of public awareness alongside technological and institutional safeguards.
SVC Bank Managing Director Ravinder Singh said customer awareness is an important first line of defence as banking becomes increasingly digital. He said the initiative was intended to take cyber safety beyond bank branches and into communities, while helping customers recognise fraud attempts before they result in financial losses.
Chairman Durgesh Chandavarkar said cyber security is a shared responsibility and that financial literacy should accompany the wider adoption of digital banking services. He said the initiative reflected the bank's focus on helping customers use digital financial services with greater confidence while remaining alert to evolving threats.
During the awareness sessions, residents were advised not to share confidential banking credentials and to verify the authenticity of callers and links before responding. The bank also encouraged customers to report suspicious transactions promptly and contact the National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 or use the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal in case of suspected fraud.
SVC Bank was established in 1906 and operates as a multi-state scheduled co-operative bank. Its network currently comprises 203 branches and 220 ATMs, with operations spanning Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu.
As of March 31, 2026, the bank reported total business of INR 43,693 crore and net profit of INR 205 crore. Its gross non-performing asset ratio stood at 2.69%, while net NPA was 0.96% and capital adequacy ratio was 15.48%.
The cyber awareness drive adds a community-focused component to the bank's digital banking and security initiatives, with the programme aimed at improving awareness of evolving financial fraud risks among customers and residents.
Source: PTI
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