The Modus Operandi: A Digital Heist
The perpetrators of this fraud exploited a critical vulnerability in the Aadhaar-enabled payment system. By allegedly using high-tech machines to clone the biometric data of unsuspecting customers, they gained unauthorized access to their bank accounts. The victims, primarily rural residents who rely on local business outlets for banking services, had their fingerprints and other personal data stolen without their knowledge. These fraudulent transactions were then executed through various business units associated with Fino Payments Bank Limited, which provides banking services in remote areas.
A Widespread Network of Deception
The sheer scale of the operation is staggering, with the fraud spanning across 17 districts of Bihar. Araria district appears to be the epicenter of the scam, with over ₹3.05 crore siphoned from 140 accounts. Other severely affected districts include Purnia and Kishanganj, which reported losses of ₹99.87 lakh and ₹69.82 lakh, respectively. The widespread nature of the crime suggests a well-organized network of criminals, operating with a high degree of coordination and technical expertise.
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The Human Cost: A Community in Crisis
The victims of this fraud are predominantly from marginalized communities, for whom the stolen money represents a significant portion of their life savings. Many had deposited their hard-earned income into these accounts, only to discover them empty. The financial loss has caused immense hardship and distress. Despite complaints being lodged with the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRCP), only a fraction of the stolen money has been recovered, leaving many victims in a state of despair.
Questions of Security and Accountability
The bank, in its complaint, has alleged a leakage of confidential customer data, prompting a formal investigation by the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of the Bihar Police. The lack of an effective response at the local police level has also been a point of concern, with the bank expressing its concern over the perceived inaction. As the forensic investigation continues, the focus remains on identifying the culprits and preventing any further misuse of the system.