Bandhan Bank has launched Cyber Cop, a nationwide Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at strengthening public awareness about cyber fraud and promoting safe digital banking practices. Presented by Hindustan Times and implemented by Aident Social Welfare Organisation, the campaign seeks to educate citizens on identifying online scams, protecting personal information and responding effectively to cyber threats.
The initiative comes at a time when India’s rapidly expanding digital economy has made financial transactions faster and more accessible, while also creating new opportunities for cybercriminals. By the end of 2025, India’s internet user base had crossed 103 crore, and Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions reached ₹29.90 lakh crore in May 2026, highlighting the country’s growing dependence on digital financial services.
Cyber Cop aims to help individuals recognise common fraud tactics, including fake investment schemes, phishing links, fraudulent phone calls and social engineering scams. The campaign encourages users to pause, verify and report suspicious activities, reinforcing the message that informed decisions can prevent financial losses.
The initiative has gained significance amid a sharp rise in cybercrime across the country. According to data from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Indians lost approximately ₹22,495 crore to cyber fraud in 2025, with more than 24 lakh complaints registered during the year. These incidents have affected millions of individuals through scams involving fake banking calls, fraudulent websites, deceptive investment offers and unauthorised digital transactions.
Bandhan Bank said cyber fraud is increasingly becoming a behavioural challenge rather than purely a technological one. Fraudsters often exploit fear, urgency or trust to persuade victims into sharing One-Time Passwords (OTPs), banking credentials, card details or granting remote access to their devices. As a result, public awareness and responsible digital behaviour have become essential components of financial security.
The campaign complements government efforts to combat cybercrime through initiatives such as the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and the 1930 Cyber Helpline, which enable citizens to report financial fraud quickly and improve the chances of recovering stolen funds. However, with cybercrime continuing to rise, awareness remains the first line of defence.
Through Cyber Cop, Bandhan Bank aims to simplify cyber safety by delivering practical, easy-to-understand guidance that empowers individuals to protect themselves while using digital financial services. The initiative reflects the bank’s broader commitment to promoting financial literacy, digital inclusion and responsible banking through its CSR programmes.
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