Cyber Criminals Dupe SBI Deputy Manager Of Lakhs: The Officer Took A Loan To Cover The Loss

Shakti Sharma
5 Min Read

Raipur, October 2025 — In a chilling reminder of how advanced cybercrime has become, an officer from the State Bank of India (SBI) — who often educated customers about online fraud prevention — has himself fallen prey to a meticulously executed investment scam. The victim, Tej Prakash Sharma, a Deputy Manager posted in Raipur and a resident of Mayur Vihar, lost ₹13 lakh after being convinced to invest in a fake trading scheme. What makes this case particularly alarming is that Sharma not only lost his entire savings but had to take a personal loan to settle his financial commitments following the fraud.

The Scam Unfolds via WhatsApp

According to the complaint filed with the Raipur police, the incident dates back to December 2024, when Sharma received a WhatsApp call from an unknown number. The caller, identifying herself as Divyanshi Agarwal, introduced herself as an “official” from a reputed investment company. She claimed that the firm was duly registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) — a detail intended to instill credibility. During multiple conversations, the woman persuaded Sharma to invest in a “high-return trading program,” assuring guaranteed profits within weeks.

₹13 Lakh Lost in Six Transfers

Trusting the authenticity of the offer, Sharma transferred ₹13 lakh across six different bank accounts as directed by the accused. Within days, he began receiving system-generated messages confirming his participation in the alleged scheme. However, the promised returns never arrived. As weeks passed, all communication from the so-called company ceased. Sharma then realized that he had been conned. “I waited for updates on my investment for several weeks, but there was complete silence. That’s when I knew I had been trapped,” he stated in his complaint.

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Police Action After CM Helpline Complaint

When Sharma initially approached the Raipur Police Station in late December 2024, his complaint was recorded, but no formal FIR was registered. Eventually, he escalated the matter to the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister’s Helpline, following which a First Information Report (FIR) was registered and an investigation launched.

Station House Officer Girish Negi confirmed that the police have begun tracing the flow of funds. “The accounts receiving the fraudulent transfers have been identified and are being frozen. The linked mobile numbers are also being blacklisted through the cybercrime portal,” he said.

A Cautionary Tale for Financial Professionals

Ironically, Sharma was known within his branch for promoting cybersecurity awareness campaigns among customers, warning them against unsolicited investment offers. Yet, the criminals’ elaborate impersonation and psychological manipulation proved effective even against a seasoned banker.

Cybercrime experts believe this reflects a dangerous evolution in scam tactics, where fraudsters now employ credible digital profiles, deepfake identities, and fabricated regulatory credentials to appear authentic.

Expert Insight: “No One Is Immune Anymore”

Noted cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Professor Triveni Singh described this case as “a wake-up call for professionals and financial institutions alike.”

“Cybercriminals today use advanced psychological and technological methods to gain trust. Even educated and digitally aware individuals can fall victim if they let their guard down,”
said Prof. Singh.

He further advised,

“Always verify the legitimacy of any investment offer independently — through official websites or in-person consultations. Never rely solely on WhatsApp calls, links, or social media messages claiming official recognition.”

According to Prof. Singh, institutions must also update cybersecurity training for staff, as criminals are increasingly targeting insiders who handle sensitive financial data.

The Broader Lesson

The SBI manager’s ordeal underscores an uncomfortable truth — no one is beyond the reach of cyber fraud. As scams become more technologically sophisticated, the first line of defense remains personal vigilance.

“Every unknown message, link, or investment proposal should be treated as a potential threat,” Prof. Singh warned.
“Trust is the new target, and awareness is the only shield.”

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