In a surprising case of offline fraud, three people managed to deceive villagers in Chhattisgarh by setting up a fake State Bank of India (SBI) branch, offering jobs, and luring them into depositing money. The branch was set up in Chhapora village, about 250 kilometers from Raipur, and the scammers went to great lengths to create a believable bank-like environment. This fraud highlights the growing need for awareness about both online and offline scams.
How the Fake SBI Branch Was Set Up
The three accused, identified as Rekha Sahu, Mandir Das, and Pankaj, rented a house in the village and set it up as an SBI branch. They equipped the space with desks, computers, and all the necessary tools to make it look like a legitimate bank. To add further authenticity, they also had fake receipts, stamps, and paperwork that appeared official. Within ten days, the setup was complete, and they began to invite villagers to open accounts and make fixed deposits (FDs).
To lure in unsuspecting villagers, the scammers started recruiting local youth for jobs in the bank, offering impressive salaries. These young recruits were led to believe they were working at a genuine SBI branch, which made the entire scheme appear even more credible.
Attracting Villagers with Jobs and Banking Services
The scammers weren’t just opening accounts—they were also charging people for jobs. The locals were enticed with promises of high-paying positions, but they were required to make an “initial deposit” to secure the role. Several young men and women paid between ₹3 to 5 lakh to join the “bank” as employees, believing they had landed secure jobs with decent salaries.
In addition to collecting deposits for jobs, the scammers also attracted many villagers who wanted to open savings accounts and make fixed deposits. To make the setup believable, they conducted typical bank activities such as account openings, cash deposits, and even training sessions for new employees. Villagers from surrounding areas like Korba, Balod, Kabirdham, and Sakti were targeted and convinced to invest their money with the fake branch.
Exposing the Scam
The scam might have continued for longer if not for the vigilance of Ajay Kumar Aggarwal, a local resident. He grew suspicious about the sudden appearance of a new SBI branch in his village, as it seemed unlikely for such a facility to open without any prior notice. Curious, he visited a nearby, authentic SBI branch to inquire about the new location.
Upon investigation, the real SBI branch manager found that the code for this new branch was nonexistent. This meant the branch wasn’t officially recognized by SBI, confirming that it was indeed a fraudulent setup. The manager promptly reported the issue to local authorities and the police.
Quick Action by Authorities
Once informed, the police acted swiftly. Working in conjunction with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), they investigated the situation and arrested the suspects before they could flee. The authorities discovered that lakhs of rupees had already been collected from unsuspecting villagers, both from job recruitment fees and deposits made by account holders.
Awareness and Precautions Against Such Scams
This case has shed light on a concerning trend of fraudsters moving beyond the digital realm and executing elaborate offline scams. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself and others:
- Verify Bank Branches: Always verify any new bank branch by checking with the bank’s main branch or calling the bank’s official customer service.
- Avoid Upfront Fees: Genuine employers do not charge fees for job recruitment. Avoid any opportunity that requires you to pay upfront for employment.
- Research and Report Suspicious Activity: If something feels suspicious, trust your instincts. Ask questions, verify information, and report anything unusual to local authorities or bank officials.
- Stay Informed: Scams evolve over time, so staying informed about common fraud tactics can help you avoid them.
The Growing Trend of Offline Scams
While online scams are prevalent, this incident emphasizes that offline scams remain a threat, especially in rural areas. Fraudsters prey on individuals who may not have easy access to information and are more likely to trust seemingly official setups like fake bank branches.
Authorities are working to ensure that similar incidents don’t happen in other areas. The police and SBI have urged the public to remain vigilant and verify any new bank branches, especially in rural regions where these frauds are more likely to occur.
