Dainik Nation News Portal
DAINIK NATION BUREAU/NEW DELHI
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has raised an alarm over increasing incidents of cyber fraud during late-night hours, specifically between 11 PM and 1 AM, a time when most bank helplines and customer service centers remain non-operational or partially active.
According to the RBI, a group of cybercriminals, often referred to as “molehunters”, have become particularly active during these odd hours, targeting unsuspecting customers through phishing links, fake calls, and unauthorized access to digital banking systems. The name ‘molehunters’ refers to their method of silently breaching user accounts and planting malware or extracting sensitive financial information.
The central bank stated that this time window is deliberately chosen by fraudsters due to the limited availability of real-time customer support. Victims often realize fraudulent transactions only after the damage is done and are unable to report or block transactions instantly.
“These cybercriminals exploit the vulnerability of users who might be using mobile banking or UPI services late at night, assuming their accounts are safe,” an RBI official said.
In light of these developments, the RBI has urged banks to strengthen 24×7 grievance redressal mechanisms and consider deploying night-shift support teams to handle emergency cases. The public is also advised to be extra cautious during these hours and avoid clicking on suspicious links, downloading unknown apps, or sharing banking details over calls or texts.
The RBI also reminded users to activate transaction alerts, regularly check account statements, and report any unauthorized activity immediately, even if it occurs during off-hours.
As digital banking grows rapidly in India, so does the need for stronger cybersecurity awareness and robust support infrastructure—especially during the hours when most users are least vigilant.
