Fake SBI Branch Dupes Villagers: Bold 10-Day Scam Uncovered in Chhattisgarh
In a remarkable case of deception, fraudsters created a fake State Bank of India (SBI) branch in the village of Chhapora, Chhattisgarh, scamming locals out of several lakhs of rupees. This article explores how the scammers established a convincing façade, conducted fraudulent training sessions, and targeted unemployed individuals, all while maintaining the illusion of legitimacy. The operation was uncovered when a vigilant villager raised concerns, leading to a police investigation that revealed the shocking truth behind the counterfeit bank.
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SBI Impersonation: How Scammers Devised a Fake Branch to Swindle Customers in Chhattisgarh
In an audacious scheme reminiscent of a thriller movie, fraudsters orchestrated a significant banking scam by establishing a counterfeit branch of the State Bank of India (SBI) in Chhapora, a tranquil village located about 250 kilometers from Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh. This deception led to the loss of several lakhs of rupees for unsuspecting local residents.
While online banking fraud and phishing schemes are increasingly common, this case stands out due to its elaborate execution. The fraudsters set up a realistic façade of a legitimate SBI branch, complete with new furniture, official documents, and fully functional counters, convincing locals to visit for banking services.
To build trust among the community, the scammers went as far as to hire fake staff and conduct fraudulent training sessions, targeting both unemployed individuals and villagers looking for banking solutions. The "bank" opened recently, attracting many who wished to open accounts and perform various transactions, all unaware of the scam unfolding around them.
The operation was uncovered when a villager, Ajay Kumar Agrawal, who had previously applied for an SBI kiosk in Chhapora, noticed the sudden appearance of the branch. Upon investigating, he found the employees unable to provide satisfactory answers and noticed the absence of a branch code on the signage, raising his suspicions. Agrawal subsequently reported his concerns to SBI officials at the nearest branch in Dabhara and to the local police.
According to senior police officer Rajesh Patel, the Dabra branch manager had already expressed doubts about a potential fake bank operating in Chhapora. Following this, investigations confirmed the branch's fraudulent nature, revealing that the employees had been hired using forged documents.
The primary victims of this scam were unemployed individuals from several districts, including Korba, Balod, Kabirdham, and Sakti. Authorities have confiscated computers and other materials from the bogus branch and have initiated legal proceedings under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against three individuals linked to the operation, including the alleged mastermind posing as the manager.
An ongoing investigation aims to determine how many people fell victim to the fake branch and the total amount of money that the scammers managed to siphon from unsuspecting customers.
