One Edited PDF, Three Banks, and a Life-Changing Lesson

[Odyssey]

Doing fraud is ok.
Doing it lazily & getting caught is not ok.

Bro need to learn, what to edit and what not

 

[cardio_guycardio_guy is verified member.]

A lot of IDFC WEALTH card applicants CASUALLY FILL IN salary as 3.0L PER MONTH.

Without any guilt or shame, they fill-in that outrageous amount of 3L as MONTHLY SALARY and - in most cases - it gets approval - without any dox or proof.

It is high time that such spurious/bogus figures are detected - compared with their declared incomes via ITRs - and dealt with strictly at the pre-online-approval stage itself.

Heavens will not fall if these banks take a week or so to get them vetted before conveying their sanction.

Mad rush to be avoided in sanctioning everything online - in a jiffy - without any dox submission or (manual) verification.

True
IDFC First somehow want to give away as many cards as possible within the shortest period of time and they don't care what customers fill in. If they don't care all these, who else has a problem?

In my case the application was filled by an idfc credit card manager himself and he told me he is just putting as 3L and tell that during vkyc.

 

[Riya]

A few days ago, a TechnoFino Community member reached out to me and urgently requested a call.
He said, “Sir, this might turn into a police case. I don’t know what to do… I’m young, please help.”

I gave him time and listened to his full story.
Let me share it with all of you - because this can happen to anyone if you’re not careful.

Mr. Unknown — A Young College Guy, Just Like Many TFCians​

Mr. Unknown is a college-going youngster, passionate about credit cards just like thousands of TFCians.

He has credit cards from:

• ICICI Bank
• Axis Bank
• HDFC Bank

But for the last 4 years, he wasn’t getting any limit enhancement on his HDFC card - again, very common among many of us.

His limit remained low, no matter how many times he tried.

The Agent & The Wrong Advice​

One day, he met a third-party agent who tried selling him a new HDFC Bank credit card.
Mr. Unknown told him:


The agent instantly suggested a shortcut:


At first he knew it wasn’t ethical.
But after a few days of frustration, he gave in.

He edited:

• a salary slip from his family’s business (Salary: Rs. 2,04,129 per month)
• his IDFC First Bank account statement

And emailed them to HDFC for limit enhancement.

Email Copy (Mr. Unknown to HDFC Bank, Request for limit enhancement):

View attachment 116172

His edited IDFC First Bank's account statement:

View attachment 116173

He even sent similar emails to ICICI and Axis for the same purpose.

And guess what?

ICICI and Axis both increased his limit.

But…

HDFC Detected the Forged Statement​

According to HDFC, they sent someone to IDFC First Bank to verify the account statement - and immediately found it had been edited.

The next day, HDFC officers called him:

• Why did you submit a forged document?
• Did any HDFC employee ask you to do this?
• Who helped you edit these documents?

He panicked.

He did not name the agent.
He simply said he was frustrated, wasn’t getting a limit increase, made a mistake and apologised.

Two or three HDFC officers spoke to him.
After repeated apologies, they told him:

• Send a written apology email
• No legal action will be taken considering his age
• But his HDFC credit card will be cancelled
• Blacklisting decision will be made by the backend team

He immediately sent the apology email. Here is the copy:

View attachment 116174

And, after all this, he also cancelled his ICICI Bank and Axis Bank credit cards out of fear of future scrutiny.

View attachment 116184

TFCians — Don’t Risk Your Future for a Credit Card or it's Limit​

Credit cards are part of our lifestyle, yes, but nothing is worth taking a criminal risk.

This time, he got lucky.
HDFC didn’t file a police case.

But he may still be banned for life by HDFC.

Submitting forged documents to a bank is punishable under:

• Section 336 & Section 340 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
  (Some parts, like Section 336(3), are non-bailable.)

Young people - 20, 22, 24 - often don’t think about consequences.
But today’s banking systems are extremely advanced.

Maybe one bank won’t catch you.
But eventually, you will get caught.

And a single legal issue can impact:

• future loans
• CIBIL score
• job background checks
• banking relationships

Nothing is worth losing your peace of mind.

A credit card or credit limit enhancement is not worth risking your entire future.

A Reality Check from the Old Days​

Between 2017 and 2022, many bank agents used to casually tell customers to “edit income documents” to get a card.

But times have changed.

I personally know:

• a banker who faced internal inquiry for this
• a customer who got blacklisted for submitting forged documents

So please don’t repeat their mistakes.

Be safe.
Live peacefully.

Don’t do foolish things for a piece of plastic or metal.
A credit card is meant to make life easier - not destroy it.

This post is purely for awareness.
I hope every TFCian, especially the younger ones, takes this seriously.

Desperation in young age can lead to great disasters for future...
I hope he learned the lesson soon and in a very polite manner...
Otherwise any legal action could have led to magnanimous loss of time, money and mind.

 

[Riya]

I donn't think this is correct. Why would idfc allow hdfc to verify someone's personal statement? That's breach of privacy. Either IDFC can be sued here easily. Or HDFC can be sued (if they lied about verifying docs with idfc, where they indeed didn't but they bluffed with the customer). For sure hdfc can't do this legally neither idfc can allow this legally. Some higher up knowing someone at idfc and personally checking but not officially is a completely different matter. In court, this evidence that they checked with idfc won't be permissible.

Has RBI guidelines give authority to some bank to check with a different bank about a customer? There might be one, highly unlikely.

Ofc the person forging the docs won't have resources/mileage for going after hdfc (even morally), but he certainly has a case here. That ofc comes with exposing himself, but court won't give a F about an individual forging docs, as he's a smaller fish. Court would love to know a huge bank violating laws.

IDFC would have allowed because they themselves consult other banks for such issues....
if your bank letterhead is used in a forged document then it could lead to a bad name for bank too

 

[great]

hope lesson learned.

just curious, any experience by anyone,
do really like in this case hdfc bank file criminal case against this individual,

 

[Riya]

hope lesson learned.

just curious, any experience by anyone,
do really like in this case hdfc bank file criminal case against this individual,

yup...
case of fraudulent documents.. probably IPS 420

 

[cardy]

I donn't think this is correct. Why would idfc allow hdfc to verify someone's personal statement? That's breach of privacy. Either IDFC can be sued here easily. Or HDFC can be sued (if they lied about verifying docs with idfc, where they indeed didn't but they bluffed with the customer). For sure hdfc can't do this legally neither idfc can allow this legally. Some higher up knowing someone at idfc and personally checking but not officially is a completely different matter. In court, this evidence that they checked with idfc won't be permissible.

Has RBI guidelines give authority to some bank to check with a different bank about a customer? There might be one, highly unlikely.

Ofc the person forging the docs won't have resources/mileage for going after hdfc (even morally), but he certainly has a case here. That ofc comes with exposing himself, but court won't give a F about an individual forging docs, as he's a smaller fish. Court would love to know a huge bank violating laws.

But in every case the small fish will be out of water. And grasp for oxygen. No way out.

 

[Odyssey]

I donn't think this is correct. Why would idfc allow hdfc to verify someone's personal statement? That's breach of privacy. Either IDFC can be sued here easily. Or HDFC can be sued (if they lied about verifying docs with idfc, where they indeed didn't but they bluffed with the customer). For sure hdfc can't do this legally neither idfc can allow this legally. Some higher up knowing someone at idfc and personally checking but not officially is a completely different matter. In court, this evidence that they checked with idfc won't be permissible.

Has RBI guidelines give authority to some bank to check with a different bank about a customer? There might be one, highly unlikely.

Ofc the person forging the docs won't have resources/mileage for going after hdfc (even morally), but he certainly has a case here. That ofc comes with exposing himself, but court won't give a F about an individual forging docs, as he's a smaller fish. Court would love to know a huge bank violating laws.

Bro, why do you think you always know everything?

Suppose you are a bank, and a client comes to you for a loan of XYZ based on his salary account maintained with another bank. Won’t you first verify with that bank whether he is actually receiving a salary, and only then approve the loan?

Do you even realize that while applying for a limit increase, a new credit card, or a loan, you tick multiple checkboxes and e-sign using an OTP? Do you know what those checkboxes contain? That’s the consent you’ve given.

 

[dexter_greycells]

Credit to the OP for putting up a post like this which recommends being ethical on our part.

Ever since I got on TF a couple of years ago, I have seen an unnerving amount of people on TF trying to game or cheat the banks for getting XYZ card (invariably it is Infinia) or getting a credit limit increase (which again ties into getting the XYZ card). Their justifications include "All banks are crooks", "They are making millions", "They have no problem lending money to Mallya", "That person on Insta with XYZ card is a student and doesn't even earn", "The bank is not being transparent", "This is discrimination" etc.

Initially, even I used to think that the banks' lack of transparency on rejections was not right. After seeing the sense of entitlement on TF and the extents to which people are willing to go to, I understand why banks do that. The moment they list down the exact T&C or reasons for rejection people will figure out ways (i.e. do "jugaad") to meet that T&C and then "demand" the XYZ card as if it is their birthright.

From the personal experiences of me and my friends's financial journies (we are in our 30s and 40s), I can say that banks will gradually increase your credit limit and provide better card offerings as your salary and investments with the bank keep growing organically. This takes years and unfortunately nowadays a lot of people want everything "by yesterday".

 

[TechnoFinoTechnoFino is verified member.]

Guys… let me share a real story about the verification process, because some members believe that HDFC Bank should not be allowed to verify documents with IDFC First Bank.

First of all... this is completely allowed and absolutely normal.

Why it’s allowed:

1. IDFC First Bank issued the document you submitted.

2. HDFC Bank is the lender for the credit card / loan / LE you applied for.

3. You have signed the T&C, which clearly gives your consent to HDFC Bank to verify your submitted data from the source.

So yes... source verification is legal, ethical, and standard banking practice.

Now, let me tell you how this works in the USA, so you understand how normal this actually is.

One of my friends applied for an American Express credit card in the USA.
He was asked to submit address proof, and he provided his Capital One bank account statement.

After that, Amex emailed him and asked him to call customer care.

When he called Amex US customer support, here’s what happened:

The Amex executive (from the new card member team) called Capital One Bank, the branch where my friend held the account.

With my friend’s consent, the Amex executive merged the call.

So now, three people were on the same call:

My friend
Amex executive
Capital One branch employee

The Amex executive directly asked Capital One:

Do you have a customer with this name and this account number?

The Capital One employee verified that the details were correct.

That’s it.

The Amex executive processed the application further and the card was approved within 30 seconds.

Banks do not blindly trust documents.
They verify from the source and that’s how it should be.

If you’re submitting genuine documents, there’s absolutely nothing to worry about.

This isn’t harassment.
This isn’t overreach.
This is standard global banking practice.

 

[hender]

Guys… let me share a real story about the verification process, because some members believe that HDFC Bank should not be allowed to verify documents with IDFC First Bank.

First of all... this is completely allowed and absolutely normal.

Why it’s allowed:

1. IDFC First Bank issued the document you submitted.

2. HDFC Bank is the lender for the credit card / loan / LE you applied for.

3. You have signed the T&C, which clearly gives your consent to HDFC Bank to verify your submitted data from the source.

So yes... source verification is legal, ethical, and standard banking practice.

Now, let me tell you how this works in the USA, so you understand how normal this actually is.

One of my friends applied for an American Express credit card in the USA.
He was asked to submit address proof, and he provided his Capital One bank account statement.

After that, Amex emailed him and asked him to call customer care.

When he called Amex US customer support, here’s what happened:

The Amex executive (from the new card member team) called Capital One Bank, the branch where my friend held the account.

With my friend’s consent, the Amex executive merged the call.

So now, three people were on the same call:

My friend
Amex executive
Capital One branch employee

The Amex executive directly asked Capital One:

Do you have a customer with this name and this account number?

The Capital One employee verified that the details were correct.

That’s it.

The Amex executive processed the application further and the card was approved within 30 seconds.

Banks do not blindly trust documents.
They verify from the source and that’s how it should be.

If you’re submitting genuine documents, there’s absolutely nothing to worry about.

This isn’t harassment.
This isn’t overreach.
This is standard global banking practice.

Dada isko idhar bhi implement karao on the spot. Direct Call and case closed.

 

[Talkwithfino]

ICICI and Axis both increased his limit.

This is the also a very worrying part in the post !!!

One of them has audacity to ask transactions for credit card points and other has to increase AMB to 50k for Savings Account with pathetic quality of service.

And thennnn when it comes to credit cards and documents (which in one way is the CORE of banking - after all Banking is the money lending business) - they have gross negligence towards it. WOWWWWWW!!! 👏👏

 

[✪ D&C Cards Connoisseur 💳]

IDFC First Bank issued the document you submitted

@TechnoFino - I believe IDFC First Bank also has the right to take legal action because it's name, logo and other legal idenitities are used in the forged document, which impacts it's goodwill in the banking sector. What's your thought on this?

 

[tharun]

I understand that Bank has right to cross verify all our documents.

I wanted to know how is the scrutiny done . Is there any suspicious activity on the card or did the bank AI/internal system trigger fraud transaction ID
Is there any indication that bank will checkout all the documents again or is it regular audit or surprise audit that flag these kind of card/accounts?

 

[Odyssey]

I understand that Bank has right to cross verify all our documents.

I wanted to know how is the scrutiny done . Is there any suspicious activity on the card or did the bank AI/internal system trigger fraud transaction ID
Is there any indication that bank will checkout all the documents again or is it regular audit or surprise audit that flag these kind of card/accounts?

Everyone here can only speculate including me, but only guys dealing with it can answer to point.

IMO, for loan, they verify for all. For L.E, it's random luck based.

Mind you, AI and all have came recently. But we always used to hear such cases, usually when bank's file complaint against accused.

 

[Sobirvs]

Any document which is produced/submitted as an evidence before an authority , whether he or she is a public or private authority, the concerned authority is at his or her liberty to verify the genuineness of the document produced before him/her as an evidence. As far as the above incident is concerned, IDFC bank account statement was provided to HDFC Bank by the customer himself, hence HDFC is free to verify its genuineness. As IDFC bank is approached by HDFC with proof of submission of the IDFC account statement by the customer of IDFC himself, hence IDFC has only discharged its professional duty and rather it has helped HDFC in identifying a false claim made by a customer by means of forged documents. Thinking about suing these two banks by the customer [who is himself at fault legally] would be like shooting himself in his foot. RBI guidelines too mandate banks to completely verify the identity of customers before lending and verify customers' credit health before approving any credit facility.

In this case, both the banks have discharged their legal obligations and given example of law abiding entities.

Question is, is this exactly what happened?

Did hdfc raise the required verification in written formal manner?

If yes, hdfc should have no problem giving that proof to the customer neither idfc should have any issue giving proof they got the request by hdfc.

I can bet 102% this is not how exactly it panned out and if customer actually raises this request legally, both idfc and hdfc would end up with themselves forging back dated documents.

 

[Sobirvs]

Bro, why do you think you always know everything?

Suppose you are a bank, and a client comes to you for a loan of XYZ based on his salary account maintained with another bank. Won’t you first verify with that bank whether he is actually receiving a salary, and only then approve the loan?

Do you even realize that while applying for a limit increase, a new credit card, or a loan, you tick multiple checkboxes and e-sign using an OTP? Do you know what those checkboxes contain? That’s the consent you’ve given.

Go through this thread. I never claimed I know everything, but I never claimed I don't know anything too. When it comes to finance, if a bank is genuine audited with proper scrutiny, all bank's top executives would be in Jail. Case in points, ceo of icici lol and fraud case on hdfc ceo.

When banks raise question of morality on customers(forging documents), banks themselves are the biggest fraudsters. They have no fckn' right to demand morality from customers.

Does that justify customer forging signature is fine? ofc not, but does that mean bank is right, hells no.

Infinia Post in thread 'Poor chargeback experience with HDFC Infinia for Cleartrip Smartbuy transaction'

Apr 23, 2025

Okay, let me clear alot of things people don't get.

I have worked in the past full time and sometimes still work with chargeback resolution. (mostly international).

"Chargeback" or a dispute, is not a HDFC feature, it is a VISA/MC feature. HDFC doesn't have the authority on this. HDFC is just a member of VISA/MC. Raising a chargeback is your right. You can go to VISA/MC to put a penalty that HDFC didn't honor this right of yours to put a chargeback. You don't even have to talk to HDFC about this. If Phone banking isn't doing it, go to the branch and just ask for dispute form for the...

• Sobirvs

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• 

 

[Sobirvs]

Guys… let me share a real story about the verification process, because some members believe that HDFC Bank should not be allowed to verify documents with IDFC First Bank.

First of all... this is completely allowed and absolutely normal.

Why it’s allowed:

1. IDFC First Bank issued the document you submitted.

2. HDFC Bank is the lender for the credit card / loan / LE you applied for.

3. You have signed the T&C, which clearly gives your consent to HDFC Bank to verify your submitted data from the source.

So yes... source verification is legal, ethical, and standard banking practice.

Now, let me tell you how this works in the USA, so you understand how normal this actually is.

One of my friends applied for an American Express credit card in the USA.
He was asked to submit address proof, and he provided his Capital One bank account statement.

After that, Amex emailed him and asked him to call customer care.

When he called Amex US customer support, here’s what happened:

The Amex executive (from the new card member team) called Capital One Bank, the branch where my friend held the account.

With my friend’s consent, the Amex executive merged the call.

So now, three people were on the same call:

My friend
Amex executive
Capital One branch employee

The Amex executive directly asked Capital One:

Do you have a customer with this name and this account number?

The Capital One employee verified that the details were correct.

That’s it.

The Amex executive processed the application further and the card was approved within 30 seconds.

Banks do not blindly trust documents.
They verify from the source and that’s how it should be.

If you’re submitting genuine documents, there’s absolutely nothing to worry about.

This isn’t harassment.
This isn’t overreach.
This is standard global banking practice.

No one is questioning hdfc bank doesn't have the right, neither I am saying they are overreaching or doing harassment. I am aware of global banking practice, actually I know alot about international banking standards and know alot less abt domestic banking standards. Though somewhat domestic banks and rbi as regulator have some of their own rules but most of it is just copy/pasted from international institutions. Anyways, All I am wishing is if hdfc comes transparent about the process and the case coz sure enough they got the apology out of the customer but they sure did arm twisting to make that happen..

If hdfc has morals about this whole incident, then by morality, they should be returning every single penny to merchants for the transactions done on a card which was obtained by forged documents. Will HDFC return MDR deducted on merchant accounts for every single card obtained fradulently? OBVIOUSLY NOT.

Also your friend being on a call with amex and cap1, ISN'T THE NORM AT ALL in international banking standards.

Post in thread 'One Edited PDF, Three Banks, and a Life-Changing Lesson'

Today at 1:02 AM

Any document which is produced/submitted as an evidence before an authority , whether he or she is a public or private authority, the concerned authority is at his or her liberty to verify the genuineness of the document produced before him/her as an evidence. As far as the above incident is concerned, IDFC bank account statement was provided to HDFC Bank by the customer himself, hence HDFC is free to verify its genuineness. As IDFC bank is approached by HDFC with proof of submission of the IDFC account statement by the customer of IDFC himself, hence IDFC has only discharged its...

• Sobirvs