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In a shocking incident that highlights the growing prevalence of financial scams, a fake branch of the State Bank of India (SBI) was exposed in Chhattisgarh's Sakti district. The elaborate operation, complete with banners and a hired staff, targeted unsuspecting job seekers, promising them employment opportunities in exchange for substantial sums of money. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of individuals seeking employment and the importance of exercising caution when dealing with seemingly legitimate job offers.
The scam came to light when Manoj Agrawal, a local resident, applied to open an SBI kiosk branch in Dabhra. Upon visiting the fake branch in Chapora village, he felt suspicious and reported his concerns to the genuine SBI branch in Dabhra. Subsequent investigations confirmed the fraudulent nature of the operation. When police arrived at the scene, they discovered a lack of valid banking documents, and the alleged branch manager had already fled. The authorities seized computer systems and hard drives from the fake branch, which had employed five individuals under false pretenses. These employees were hired with fabricated appointment letters and had been sent for training under misleading circumstances.
The police investigation revealed that the scam involved duping multiple individuals out of significant amounts of money. Victims included Sangeeta Kavar from Korba, who was defrauded of Rs 2.5 lakh, Lakshmi Yadav from Korba, who lost Rs 2 lakh, Pintu Maravi from Kawardha, who paid Rs 5.8 lakh, and Parmeshwar Rathore from Korba, who was scammed for Rs 3 lakh. The investigation also identified Rekha Sahu and Mandhir Das from Korba as intermediaries who collected the money from these victims. The police have registered a case against the accused under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those related to fraud, impersonation, and criminal breach of trust. However, the three individuals named in the FIR remain at large, prompting an ongoing investigation to locate and apprehend them.
The widespread impact of this fake SBI branch scam underscores the need for heightened awareness among job seekers. The ease with which the perpetrators created a seemingly legitimate operation emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough due diligence before engaging with any organization claiming to offer employment opportunities. Individuals should be wary of unsolicited job offers, especially those that demand upfront payments or involve unusual processes. Furthermore, verification of information through official channels and seeking guidance from trusted sources can significantly reduce the risk of falling prey to such scams.
Source: Fake SBI Bank branch busted in Chhattisgarh, scammed job seekers of lakhs