PANAJI
With the increase in digital scams, frauds and thefts in the state, Goacan has called on consumers on the occasion of World International Banking Day to be more vigilant and cautious.
The NGO said being an international tourism destination, Goa was more prone to such frauds.
Goacan coordinator Roland Martins said numerous thefts in ATMs by foreign nationals masquerading as tourists and using rented accommodation provided ironically by bank customers must be an issue discussed by village panchayats in the forthcoming gram sabha meetings.
On the occasion of the International Day of Banks (Dec 4) observed for the first time worldwide as designated by the UN General Assembly, the NGO has urged consumers to be vigilant about the practices followed in their respective banks. Martins said depositors and shareholders will have to effectively participate in the decision-making process provided in the banking system.
He said consumers must be aware of the efforts worldwide to implement the principles of responsible banking promoted by the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP-FI) considering the role of finance in development and the push for mega projects by some political entities in Goa.
It is important consumers become aware that such a framework can ensure that the signatory banks’ strategy and practice are aligned with the vision that society has set out for its future in the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement.
