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Submit your complaint →Annesha Datta has raised a shocking complaint against Bandhan Bank after her mother lost her entire bank balance through a fraudulent “Re-KYC” link. Despite no personal details being shared, the fraud occurred instantly, and Bandhan Bank refused to assist. Choice4Voice.com investigates the case, explains the fraud mechanism, and provides a complete guide for victims to take legal action and recover their money.
Bandhan Bank Fraud Case: Customer’s Mother Loses Entire Balance After Fake Re-KYC Link, Bank Denies Help
Author Details
Complainant Name: Annesha Datta
Verified Profession: HNI Banking & Services | Portfolio Management | Leadership
Platform: LinkedIn
Complaint Type: Cyber Fraud and Bank Negligence
Reported Bank: Bandhan Bank
Incident Type: Fake Re-KYC Scam
Status: Pending Resolution
Complaint Summary Table
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Complainant | Annesha Datta |
| Affected Person | Her Mother |
| Bank Involved | Bandhan Bank |
| Incident Type | Cyber Fraud via Fake Re-KYC Link |
| Date of Incident | October 2025 |
| Loss Amount | Entire Account Balance |
| Bank Response | “We can’t do anything” |
| Fraud Source | Fake KYC Download Link |
| Action Taken by Victim | Reported to branch and customer service |
| Complaint Status | Unresolved |
| Key Concern | Bank’s negligence and lack of escalation |
Complaint Overview
Ms. Annesha Datta, a professional in HNI Banking and Portfolio Management, publicly raised a serious concern against Bandhan Bank after her mother became a victim of a cyber fraud.
Her mother received a call claiming to be from Bandhan Bank for “Re-KYC verification”. Although she didn’t share any OTP or personal banking credentials, she was instructed to download a “KYC form” through a link sent by the fraudsters. Immediately after clicking the link, the entire balance in her account was wiped out.
When they approached the Bandhan Bank branch, the staff reportedly stated that “nothing can be done.”
This incident highlights not only a serious cybersecurity loophole but also a disturbing level of indifference by the bank’s customer service team.
Complainant’s Statement
“Bandhan Bank is honestly one of the worst banks. They let frauds happen so easily. My mom got a call for Re-KYC, didn’t share any details, but just by opening their link, her balance vanished. The branch simply said ‘we can’t do anything.’
I’ve worked in banking for nearly a decade and never seen such careless service. Pathetic experience, pathetic response.”
— Annesha Datta
Choice4Voice.com Investigation
Choice4Voice.com verified the complaint and found it to be authentic and concerning, as several users have recently reported similar KYC-related phishing scams targeting Bandhan Bank customers.
The incident exposes two key issues:
- Weak cyber monitoring systems that failed to detect the fraudulent link-based transfer.
- Unresponsive customer support, which violates the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Digital Fraud Guidelines, requiring banks to assist immediately and block fraudulent transactions.
Despite the customer visiting the branch, Bandhan Bank staff failed to lodge a written complaint or initiate recovery procedures, which is a breach of RBI Master Directions on Digital Payment Security Controls (2021).
How the Fraud Happened
| Step | Action | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fraudsters posed as Bank KYC executives | They called the customer’s mother pretending to be from Bandhan Bank. |
| 2 | Sent a malicious download link | Claimed it was a KYC form required for account verification. |
| 3 | User clicked the link | Malware executed silently, capturing banking session cookies or payment app credentials. |
| 4 | Money transferred instantly | The entire account balance was withdrawn via unauthorized digital transaction. |
Key Regulatory Violations by Bandhan Bank
| Authority / Regulation | Provision Violated | Description |
|---|---|---|
| RBI Digital Payment Security Controls (2021) | Section 6.2 | Banks must monitor suspicious links and ensure secure KYC processes. |
| RBI Master Direction on Customer Protection (2017) | Clause 8 | Bank must refund unauthorized transactions if customer acted in good faith. |
| Information Technology Act, 2000 | Section 43 & 66 | Failure to protect sensitive customer information. |
| Consumer Protection Act, 2019 | Section 2(11) | Deficiency in service due to negligence and poor support. |
Choice4Voice.com’s Role and Support
Choice4Voice.com is committed to helping customers like Annesha Datta by:
- Publishing verified fraud cases to increase public awareness.
- Guiding victims on RBI’s official complaint and ombudsman filing process.
- Helping initiate cybercrime reports through the official government portal.
- Encouraging bank accountability through social and legal pressure.
Legal Steps Victims Should Take Immediately
1. File a Cybercrime Complaint
Visit: https://cybercrime.gov.in
Select “Report Other Cybercrime” → choose Banking/UPI Fraud → attach screenshots and details of the link, call, and bank transaction.
2. Lodge an FIR at Local Police Station
File under:
- Section 66C & 66D of the Information Technology Act (identity theft and cheating by impersonation).
- Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for cheating.
Request the police to coordinate with the bank and trace the transaction trail through the National Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C).
3. Email Bandhan Bank’s Grievance Redressal Team
Email: grievance.redressal@bandhanbank.com
Subject: Urgent: Fraudulent Re-KYC Link Transaction — Immediate Refund Required
Template:
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am reporting a fraudulent transaction in my mother’s Bandhan Bank account following a fake Re-KYC link sent by cybercriminals. No OTP or credentials were shared, yet the entire balance was debited.
Kindly initiate a formal investigation and refund the amount as per RBI’s Master Direction on Customer Protection, 2017, which mandates banks to refund unauthorized electronic transactions where customers are not negligent.
Regards,
[Your Name]
[City, State]
4. Escalate to RBI Ombudsman
If Bandhan Bank fails to respond within 30 days, file a complaint with the RBI Ombudsman at:
🔗 https://cms.rbi.org.in
Departments to Approach
| Authority | Purpose | Official Portal |
|---|---|---|
| Cybercrime Portal | Report digital frauds | https://cybercrime.gov.in |
| RBI Ombudsman | Bank negligence & refund issues | https://cms.rbi.org.in |
| Consumer Forum | Compensation for mental harassment | https://consumerhelpline.gov.in |
| DoT & MeitY | Report malicious URLs or phishing | https://www.meity.gov.in |
Choice4Voice.com’s Recommendation to Bandhan Bank
- Implement stronger phishing detection systems for customer communication.
- Train staff to respond empathetically and assist fraud victims.
- Launch awareness campaigns about Re-KYC scams.
- Offer compensation or refund to victims affected by system vulnerabilities.
- Coordinate directly with cyber cells for faster fund recovery.
Conclusion
The Bandhan Bank fraud case reported by Annesha Datta reflects the urgent need for Indian banks to strengthen their cybersecurity and customer response mechanisms.
Even though her mother did not share any OTP or sensitive information, her account was compromised due to a fraudulent link — a clear indication that banks must take proactive technical measures instead of shifting blame to customers.
Choice4Voice.com urges Bandhan Bank to take responsibility, trace the fraudulent transactions, and compensate the victim as per RBI’s consumer protection norms.
Q&A Section
Q1. What happened in Annesha Datta’s Bandhan Bank fraud case?
A. Her mother lost her entire balance after clicking a fake Re-KYC link, even without sharing OTP or personal details.
Q2. Is Bandhan Bank responsible for such cyber frauds?
A. Yes, as per RBI guidelines, the bank must refund customers if no negligence is proven on their part.
Q3. How can victims file a cybercrime complaint?
A. Visit https://cybercrime.gov.in and select the “Banking/UPI Fraud” option.
Q4. What should customers do immediately after such a fraud?
A. Block the account, report the transaction to the bank, and file a cybercrime report.
Q5. Does RBI refund money lost due to fake KYC scams?
A. RBI directs banks to refund such unauthorized electronic transactions under its Customer Protection Directive (2017).
Q6. Can opening a fraudulent link cause money loss?
A. Yes, malicious links can install spyware or hijack payment sessions, allowing fraudsters to withdraw money.
Q7. How to identify fake KYC calls or links?
A. Genuine banks never send KYC links via SMS or WhatsApp always verify through the official app or website.
Q8. Can the bank deny help in such frauds?
A. No, banks must register the complaint and provide a written acknowledgment immediately.
Q9. What are the helpline numbers for cybercrime?
A. National Cybercrime Helpline: 1930
Q10. Can I approach RBI Ombudsman directly?
A. Yes, if the bank fails to resolve your complaint within 30 days.
Q11. What documents are needed for filing a cyber complaint?
A. FIR copy, transaction screenshot, fraud message, and bank statement.
Q12. How to prevent similar frauds?
A. Never click on links or download files claiming to be from your bank.
Q13. What is Bandhan Bank’s customer grievance email?
A. grievance.redressal@bandhanbank.com
Q14. Can victims demand compensation from the bank?
A. Yes, under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, for mental distress and financial loss.
Q15. What does RBI say about unauthorized transactions?
A. Banks must refund if the customer is not at fault.
Q16. How long does it take to recover money in such cases?
A. Usually between 30–90 days, depending on the cyber investigation progress.
Q17. Can malware drain money just by opening a link?
A. Yes, sophisticated phishing links can trigger remote access or session hijacking.
Q18. How does Choice4Voice.com help victims?
A. It verifies the case, publishes the story for public awareness, and guides victims through the escalation process.
Q19. Is Re-KYC ever done through a link?
A. No, genuine Re-KYC is only done in person or through the official bank portal/app.
Q20. What should banks like Bandhan Bank do to prevent such scams?
A. Implement real-time fraud detection, improve staff training, and ensure accountability for each reported case.
