Patna: A significant cyber fraud has been uncovered in Bihar involving the illegal withdrawal of more than Rs 5.58 crore from 251 accounts of a private bank operating across 17 districts. The scam was executed by cloning biometric data through machines used for Aadhaar-based verification.
The fraudulent transactions were reported from various business units associated with Fino Payments Bank Limited, which provides banking services in rural areas via authorized business outlets equipped with biometric verification devices. The bank filed a complaint with the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of the Bihar Police, prompting a formal investigation.
According to the complaint registered on the statement of Manish Roshan, the local manager for the bank, the highest number of fraudulent withdrawals occurred in Araria district, where Rs 3.05 crore was siphoned off from 140 accounts. Other affected districts include Purnia (Rs 99.87 lakh from 49 accounts), Kishanganj (Rs 69.82 lakh from 25 accounts), and scattered cases in Katihar, Gaya, Jamui, Bhagalpur, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Khagaria, Lakhisarai, Madhepura, Munger, Nawada, Patna, Supaul, and West Champaran.
The scam exploited the Aadhaar-enabled payment system by cloning biometric data of customers, which led to unauthorized access to their accounts. Victims were mostly rural residents utilizing banking facilities through these business units. Despite prior complaints lodged with the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) and local police stations, only Rs 38.87 lakh has been recovered so far.
The bank has alleged that leakage of confidential customer data and biometric details is responsible for the large-scale fraud and has expressed concern over the lack of effective response at the local police level.
Authorities have assured that the forensic investigation is ongoing to identify the culprits and prevent further misuse.
