SBI YONO scam busted: Patna police nab key operatives

A police operation led to the seizure of digital tools and cash tied to online fraud, as officials confirmed 15 victims and continue probing devices and transactions to map the full extent of the syndicate

Patna police have arrested two key suspects involved in a major cyber fraud operation that deceived multiple victims across South India by misusing the name of SBI YONO, the digital banking platform of the State Bank of India. The scam, which is believed to have siphoned off funds worth several crores, was executed through a network of fake links, impersonation, and OTP phishing.

The accused, identified as Abhinav Kumar from Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, and Rahul Kumar from Jhajha, Bihar, reportedly created fraudulent SBI YONO webpages and distributed them through Facebook Messenger. These counterfeit links prompted users to enter their mobile numbers, which then served as entry points for direct calls from fraudsters posing as SBI officials.

Once initial contact was established, the criminals persuaded victims to share one-time passwords (OTPs), enabling unauthorized transactions from their bank accounts. The strategy combined social engineering with technical manipulation, targeting unsuspecting individuals who believed they were dealing with legitimate bank representatives.

Seized devices hold crucial data

A coordinated police raid led to the recovery of 19 mobile phones, 15 SIM cards, multiple ATM cards, and an undisclosed amount of cash, all suspected to be linked to the proceeds of the crime. Investigators have so far verified 15 victim cases but believe the total number of affected individuals may be far greater. Authorities are currently analysing digital devices and transaction histories to trace the full extent of the fraud network.

The operation was part of a larger cybercrime crackdown spearheaded by Patna’s cyber cell, which has increasingly leveraged digital forensics and real-time tracking to intercept such crimes. Officials emphasized that the syndicate’s reach and planning point to a well-structured racket that may have roots in other states as well.

Police have urged the public to remain vigilant and to avoid clicking on suspicious links or sharing banking credentials over phone calls. The investigation is ongoing, with more arrests likely as digital evidence is processed.