• Hey there! Welcome to TFC! View fewer ads on the website just by signing up on TF Community.

Can a bank accuse me of blackmail and use such language in an official email?

Status
Not open for further replies.
I had closed an account with a certain bank since I already had better options. While closing, I noticed a Rs. 20 deduction for PMSBY, which I never enrolled in. I first informed about this to the bank via Twitter back in June 2024. Then in March 2025, I followed up with a proper email to the bank asking for proof of my consent—like a signed form or any documentation showing I agreed to the scheme.

Instead of replying to the email with proof, about 10 days later, four bank representatives showed up at my place. They didn’t bring any documents. All they tried to do was convince me to withdraw the complaint. Since they couldn’t provide the proof again, I told them I’d expect compensation for enrolling me without consent and not giving the info I asked for.

Around 15 days after that visit, I got an official email from the bank (brach head) accusing me of blackmail. They claimed I demanded money from the visiting staff and even threatened legal action unless I withdrew the complaint. They also said the documents were shifted elsewhere due to "space constraints."

Here’s what they actually wrote:

“Our staff visited your residence for the confirmation but you threatened and asked them for Rs. XXX/- as you said that you have also got from XYZ Bank, otherwise complaint will not be withdrawal which is Self-explanatory that you have started blackmailing with an intention to collect the unlawful money.”

“You are requested to withdraw your unlawful complaint or send us the reply that why not legal proceedings should not be initiated against you for blackmailing and threatening to government institution.”


Honestly, I’ve never seen such language from a bank in an official email. It sounds like something you’d expect from a scam, not a formal customer service team.

I’ve already filed a complaint with the RBI and also sought compensation that is on the higher end of the allowable limit of 1L. Just wanted to check:

1. What are the chances RBI will take this seriously?

2. Can a bank really accuse me of blackmail just because I asked for compensation after they failed to show any proof?

3. Has anyone here had similar experiences or dealt with something like this?

Would appreciate any insights. Also, I won’t be sharing personal or case-specific details here due to privacy concerns—hope you understand.
 
I don't think the bank has a strong case against you, especially since everything was verbal and there's no proof of you blackmailing anyone. Ironically, you could actually turn their own accusation around, like, it wasn’t you who was intimidating anyone, it was their own staff who showed up at your home, not just one but FOUR of them, and pressured you to withdraw your complaint. That in itself comes off more like intimidation than anything on your part.

For now, you should consider replying to their email stating clearly that you deny all the baseless claims made by their employees. Make it clear that you never demanded money or made threats. You can also mention that continued false accusations like this may leave you with no choice but to file an FIR against the branch manager and others involved.
 
T
I don't think the bank has a strong case against you, especially since everything was verbal and there's no proof of you blackmailing anyone. Ironically, you could actually turn their own accusation around, like, it wasn’t you who was intimidating anyone, it was their own staff who showed up at your home, not just one but FOUR of them, and pressured you to withdraw your complaint. That in itself comes off more like intimidation than anything on your part.

For now, you should consider replying to their email stating clearly that you deny all the baseless claims made by their employees. Make it clear that you never demanded money or made threats. You can also mention that continued false accusations like this may leave you with no choice but to file an FIR against the branch manager and others involved.
Thank you for your response. I've already emailed the bank on the same day denying their claims and requested them to not make baseless accusations and to provide the information sought without delay.

I've also filed an RTI and a complaint with the Banking Ombudsman mentioning the visit of Four representatives and the bank's reply which itself was unprofessional and coercive in nature. Hoping for a positive outcome. Will update after BO's reply.
 
What they wrote :
You are requested to withdraw your unlawful complaint or send us the reply that why not legal proceedings should not be initiated against you for blackmailing and threatening to government institution.”

My first observation :
Idiots. They do npt know what meaning it conveys. Jokers.
Twice using the word.... NOT.
 
What they wrote :
You are requested to withdraw your unlawful complaint or send us the reply that why not legal proceedings should not be initiated against you for blackmailing and threatening to government institution.”

My first observation :
Idiots. They do npt know what meaning it conveys. Jokers.
Twice using the word.... NOT.
The email was sent by the branch and not by any nodal officers or higher authorities and hence there are various mistakes in the grammer. The email itself was very unprofessional.
 
I don't think the bank has a strong case against you, especially since everything was verbal and there's no proof of you blackmailing anyone. Ironically, you could actually turn their own accusation around, like, it wasn’t you who was intimidating anyone, it was their own staff who showed up at your home, not just one but FOUR of them, and pressured you to withdraw your complaint. That in itself comes off more like intimidation than anything on your part.

For now, you should consider replying to their email stating clearly that you deny all the baseless claims made by their employees. Make it clear that you never demanded money or made threats. You can also mention that continued false accusations like this may leave you with no choice but to file an FIR against the branch manager and others involved.
What if they claim we have Audio/video recordings 😂
 
T

Thank you for your response. I've already emailed the bank on the same day denying their claims and requested them to not make baseless accusations and to provide the information sought without delay.

I've also filed an RTI and a complaint with the Banking Ombudsman mentioning the visit of Four representatives and the bank's reply which itself was unprofessional and coercive in nature. Hoping for a positive outcome. Will update after BO's reply.
Hope you have already taken up the matter with PNO of the bank and have their reply as well.
 
I had closed an account with a certain bank since I already had better options. While closing, I noticed a Rs. 20 deduction for PMSBY, which I never enrolled in. I first informed about this to the bank via Twitter back in June 2024. Then in March 2025, I followed up with a proper email to the bank asking for proof of my consent—like a signed form or any documentation showing I agreed to the scheme.

Instead of replying to the email with proof, about 10 days later, four bank representatives showed up at my place. They didn’t bring any documents. All they tried to do was convince me to withdraw the complaint. Since they couldn’t provide the proof again, I told them I’d expect compensation for enrolling me without consent and not giving the info I asked for.

Around 15 days after that visit, I got an official email from the bank (brach head) accusing me of blackmail. They claimed I demanded money from the visiting staff and even threatened legal action unless I withdrew the complaint. They also said the documents were shifted elsewhere due to "space constraints."

Here’s what they actually wrote:

“Our staff visited your residence for the confirmation but you threatened and asked them for Rs. XXX/- as you said that you have also got from XYZ Bank, otherwise complaint will not be withdrawal which is Self-explanatory that you have started blackmailing with an intention to collect the unlawful money.”

“You are requested to withdraw your unlawful complaint or send us the reply that why not legal proceedings should not be initiated against you for blackmailing and threatening to government institution.”


Honestly, I’ve never seen such language from a bank in an official email. It sounds like something you’d expect from a scam, not a formal customer service team.

I’ve already filed a complaint with the RBI and also sought compensation that is on the higher end of the allowable limit of 1L. Just wanted to check:

1. What are the chances RBI will take this seriously?

2. Can a bank really accuse me of blackmail just because I asked for compensation after they failed to show any proof?

3. Has anyone here had similar experiences or dealt with something like this?

Would appreciate any insights. Also, I won’t be sharing personal or case-specific details here due to privacy concerns—hope you understand.
The bank is already on the defensive, and it’s advantageous that they’ve sent you this email, as it serves as proof. Additionally, since they visited your residence, you likely have evidence from neighbors who may have witnessed the visit or possibly CCTV footage. This situation appears to be a clear case of harassment. You should consider filing a civil suit against them, which could lead to punitive action.
 
The bank is already on the defensive, and it’s advantageous that they’ve sent you this email, as it serves as proof. Additionally, since they visited your residence, you likely have evidence from neighbors who may have witnessed the visit or possibly CCTV footage. This situation appears to be a clear case of harassment. You should consider filing a civil suit against them, which could lead to punitive action.
if you spoke anything that you shouldnt, You could just mute the audio from cctv recordings & then held them responsible for visiting un-invited & even file a case of abuse of power, showing up without your consent, as stated above before reporting to RBI, you should report to all levels of bank higher ups.
 
I had closed an account with a certain bank since I already had better options. While closing, I noticed a Rs. 20 deduction for PMSBY, which I never enrolled in. I first informed about this to the bank via Twitter back in June 2024. Then in March 2025, I followed up with a proper email to the bank asking for proof of my consent—like a signed form or any documentation showing I agreed to the scheme.

Instead of replying to the email with proof, about 10 days later, four bank representatives showed up at my place. They didn’t bring any documents. All they tried to do was convince me to withdraw the complaint. Since they couldn’t provide the proof again, I told them I’d expect compensation for enrolling me without consent and not giving the info I asked for.

Around 15 days after that visit, I got an official email from the bank (brach head) accusing me of blackmail. They claimed I demanded money from the visiting staff and even threatened legal action unless I withdrew the complaint. They also said the documents were shifted elsewhere due to "space constraints."

Here’s what they actually wrote:

“Our staff visited your residence for the confirmation but you threatened and asked them for Rs. XXX/- as you said that you have also got from XYZ Bank, otherwise complaint will not be withdrawal which is Self-explanatory that you have started blackmailing with an intention to collect the unlawful money.”

“You are requested to withdraw your unlawful complaint or send us the reply that why not legal proceedings should not be initiated against you for blackmailing and threatening to government institution.”


Honestly, I’ve never seen such language from a bank in an official email. It sounds like something you’d expect from a scam, not a formal customer service team.

I’ve already filed a complaint with the RBI and also sought compensation that is on the higher end of the allowable limit of 1L. Just wanted to check:

1. What are the chances RBI will take this seriously?

2. Can a bank really accuse me of blackmail just because I asked for compensation after they failed to show any proof?

3. Has anyone here had similar experiences or dealt with something like this?

Would appreciate any insights. Also, I won’t be sharing personal or case-specific details here due to privacy concerns—hope you understand.
the Bank head is digging their own grave, ask them for proofs which you already is asking
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top