HDFC Bank Account Freeze Complaint – Pramendra Samota Raises Alarm on UPI Risks

Pramendra Samota highlights how like HDFC Bank are freezing entire accounts for small UPI transactions flagged as suspicious. Learn your legal rights, complaint filing steps, and remedies with Choice4Voice.com

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Complaint Summary : UPI Payments Risk: Banks Freezing Accounts for Small Transactions – Consumer Alert

Details	Information
Complainant Name	Pramendra Samota
Profession	Tender Specialist
Company/Bank Involved	HDFC Bank (also applicable to other Indian banks)
Complaint Type	Unfair Account Freezing due to UPI Transaction
Issue Description	Bank accounts are being frozen entirely even for small suspicious UPI transactions (e.g., ₹856), despite High Court rulings that only disputed amounts should be held.
Impact	Businesses collapsing, families unable to access money, harassment of innocent customers
Platform Raised On	LinkedIn
Date Raised	25-Sep-2025

Full Complaint Write-up

Pramendra Samota, a Tender Specialist, has raised a serious consumer concern about arbitrary freezing of bank accounts in India due to UPI transactions.

He warns that:

Entire accounts are being frozen for as little as a ₹856 suspicious transaction.
Even if someone is 3rd or 4th in the transaction chain (where money simply passed through), their account is being treated as suspicious.
Freezing orders are often issued by police from distant states, and banks comply without verifying legality.
No BNSS (Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita) provisions or proper judicial orders are cited.
Banks like HDFC Bank are allegedly following illegal police freeze notices without even informing the account holder.
Citizens, business owners, and families are suffering because they cannot access their own money.

Despite High Court judgments clearly stating that only the disputed transaction amount should be held, entire balances are being frozen. This practice is creating financial chaos, legal battles, and harassment of ordinary consumers.

Brand History & Context – HDFC Bank

Founded: 1994
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Type: One of India’s largest private banks
Known for: Retail banking, credit cards, digital banking, and UPI transactions
Official Website: www.hdfcbank.com
Customer Care Email: support@hdfcbank.com

HDFC Bank has faced multiple consumer complaints in the past related to unauthorized deductions, unfair charges, and compliance issues. This adds to growing concerns about transparency and customer protection.

Applicable Legal Provisions

The following legal remedies apply to this issue:

High Court Judgments – Multiple rulings that banks cannot freeze entire accounts and must restrict only disputed funds.
RBI Guidelines on Customer Protection (2017) – Mandates banks to safeguard innocent customers in cases of third-party fraud.
BNSS (Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita) 2023 – Governs police powers; freezing without proper mention is illegal.
Indian Contract Act, 1872 – Wrongful freezing may amount to breach of trust by banks.
Consumer Protection Act, 2019 – Customers can file complaints for deficiency in banking services.

Authorities Where Complaint Can Be Filed

RBI Banking Ombudsman – For unfair freezing of accounts.
Consumer Forum (District/State/National) – For deficiency of service by banks.
Cyber Crime Portal (MHA) – If police freeze notices are unsubstantiated.
High Court (Writ Petition under Article 226) – For violation of fundamental right to access own property.
Bank’s Internal Grievance Redressal Cell – Mandatory first step.

Step-by-Step Guide to File Complaints

1. RBI Ombudsman

Visit: https://cms.rbi.org.in
Select Banking & Digital Transactions Complaint.
File under category: “Unlawful account freeze / deficiency in service.”
Upload supporting documents (freeze notice, bank email, police letter if available).

2. Consumer Forum

Draft a consumer complaint under Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Attach proof of wrongful freezing.
File at the District Forum if claim < ₹1 crore.

3. Cyber Crime Complaint

Visit: https://cybercrime.gov.in
Register grievance if the freeze notice came from a different state police station without jurisdiction.

4. High Court Writ Petition

Engage a lawyer and file a writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution challenging the illegal freeze order.

Pre-Drafted Complaint Templates

FIR / Police Complaint (Sample)

To,  
The Station House Officer,  
[Police Station Name], [City/State]  

Subject: Illegal Freeze of My Bank Account by [Bank Name] Without Proper Authority  

Respected Sir,  

My bank account number [XXXX] with [Bank Name] has been wrongfully frozen based on a notice allegedly issued by your police station. The freeze order does not mention any provision under BNSS 2023, nor am I an accused in any FIR.  

This action has caused severe financial and personal hardship. As per multiple High Court judgments, only the disputed transaction amount may be held, not the entire account.  

I request you to immediately withdraw the illegal freeze order and confirm the same to my bank.  

Sincerely,  
[Your Full Name]  
[Contact Number]

RBI Ombudsman Complaint (Email Draft)

To,  
The Banking Ombudsman,  
Reserve Bank of India  

Subject: Unlawful Account Freeze by HDFC Bank  

Respected Sir/Madam,  

My savings account (A/c No: XXXX) in HDFC Bank has been completely frozen due to a small transaction of ₹856 marked as “suspicious.” I was never given notice or opportunity to clarify.  

This is in violation of RBI guidelines on customer protection and High Court rulings. Only the disputed transaction amount should be held, not the entire balance.  

I request your urgent intervention for restoration of my account and suitable compensation for harassment.  

Sincerely,  
[Your Name]  
[Email ID]

How Choice4Voice.com Can Help

Publishing genuine consumer complaints online for public awareness.
Amplifying cases on LinkedIn & social media to pressure banks.
Providing ready-to-use legal templates for complaints.
Helping consumers file complaints with RBI, Ombudsman, and Courts.
Ensuring accountability of banks through public exposure.

Q&A

Q1. Why are Indian banks freezing accounts for UPI transactions?
Banks freeze accounts due to suspicion of fraud or money laundering, but often act without proper legal backing.

Q2. Can banks freeze an account without informing the customer?
No. As per RBI guidelines, customers must be informed in writing before such actions.

Q3. What if my account is frozen due to someone else’s fraud?
You are protected under RBI’s Customer Liability Circular (2017) if you are not directly involved.

Q4. Which court rulings apply to account freeze cases?
Several High Courts have ruled that only the disputed amount should be frozen, not the entire balance.

Q5. How can I file a complaint against HDFC Bank for freezing my account?
You can approach RBI Ombudsman, Consumer Forum, or High Court.

Q6. Does police have the power to freeze my bank account?
Yes, but only through proper legal authority under BNSS 2023, and the notice must be valid.

Q7. Can a bank freeze my account based on another state’s police notice?
Not without proper jurisdiction. You can challenge it in High Court.

Q8. How long does it take to unfreeze a bank account?
It can take 7–30 days depending on the authority you approach.

Q9. Can I use my ATM card if my account is frozen?
No. All transactions including ATM, UPI, NEFT, and net banking are blocked.

Q10. Can RBI directly order unfreezing of accounts?
Yes, through Ombudsman directions if wrongful freezing is proven.

Q11. What is BNSS 2023?
It is the new criminal procedure code replacing CrPC in India. Freeze orders must cite BNSS sections.

Q12. Can I claim compensation from the bank for harassment?
Yes. Under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, you can claim damages.

Q13. Can my business account also be frozen?
Yes, both savings and current accounts may be frozen.

Q14. How to check if my account is frozen?
If all digital transactions fail and customer care confirms a freeze order, your account is frozen.

Q15. What documents are needed to file a consumer case?
Freeze notice (if any), bank communications, account statement, and RBI guidelines copy.

Q16. Can I still receive money in a frozen account?
Generally no. Both debit and credit functions are blocked.

Q17. What if my account is frozen due to UPI scam fraud?
You must immediately file a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in.

Q18. Can banks freeze NRI accounts too?
Yes, if suspicious transactions are flagged.

Q19. How to escalate if Ombudsman doesn’t respond?
File an appeal with the Deputy Governor of RBI within 30 days.

Q20. How does Choice4Voice.com support victims of bank freezes?
By publishing their cases, guiding them legally, and amplifying their voice on LinkedIn.