Historical Perspective
Bank frauds in India have been a persistent issue since the inception of the contemporary banking system in the nation. The historical record of bank thefts demonstrates a progression from basic counterfeiting and misappropriation to intricate cyber frauds and sophisticated schemes. Gaining a thorough understanding of this historical viewpoint is crucial for fully grasping the present difficulties and formulating efficient approaches for avoidance. During the initial stages of banking in India, fraudulent activities mostly revolved around the counterfeiting of checks and the misappropriation of funds by bank personnel. These actions frequently occurred because of a deficiency in rigorous internal controls and supervision measures. These fraudulent activities were commonly carried out by individuals or small groups that exploited weaknesses in the financial system. With the growth of the banking industry in the mid-20th century, there was a corresponding increase in the range of fraudulent operations. Instances of loan fraud and embezzlement of cash have become increasingly prevalent, frequently involving a coordinated effort between bank personnel and other individuals or entities, such as borrowers or businesses. Consequently, banks and their clients incurred financial losses, which resulted in a decline in trust in the banking system.[1] To address these issues, the government implemented legislation like the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, to develop more effective supervision and precautionary measures. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was authorized to oversee banks and offer instructions on the prevention of fraudulent activities. During the late 20th century, electronic banking emerged as a significant development in the financial industry. Electronic banking, which included the use of ATMs, credit and debit cards, and internet banking services, was introduced throughout the latter part of the 20th century. Although these developments enhanced convenience for users, they also generated fresh prospects for fraudulent activities. ATM skimming has become a notable menace, with criminals installing gadgets on ATMs to collect card data. During this era, there was a significant increase in fraudulent card transactions, which involved the unlawful use of credit or debit cards.
The early 21st century witnessed a significant increase in cyber fraud cases. During the early 21st century, there was a significant advancement in technology, which led to the continued development of intricate schemes in bank fraud. The prevalence of cyber fraud, online scams, and data breaches has increased as banking operations have increasingly transitioned to the digital realm. Phishing assaults, in which criminals pretend to be banks or financial institutions in order to acquire consumer credentials, have become a significant cause for worry. In a similar manner, cyberattacks using malware and ransomware have specifically targeted financial systems with the intention of obtaining illegal access to sensitive data or causing disruptions to banking activities. The Indian banking sector and regulatory agencies implemented efforts to enhance fraud prevention and detection in response to these emerging fraudulent activities. The measures used consisted of strengthened Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations, increased risk management strategies, and the adoption of real-time fraud detection technology.[2]
Banks have also allocated resources towards implementing cybersecurity measures, like firewalls, data encryption, and two-factor authentication, in order to safeguard consumer data and ensure the security of online transactions. In addition, there was a strong emphasis on staff training programs and internal audits to identify and prevent fraudulent activities within banking organizations. The historical analysis of bank frauds in India reveals a consistent progression of deceptive practices, propelled by technological improvements and shifts in the banking industry. Early instances of fraud mostly consisted of basic acts such as forging documents and embezzling funds. However, contemporary fraud cases now comprise sophisticated cyber crimes and deceptive schemes.
Regulatory controls and monitoring have been essential in reducing fraud risks over time, but institutions must remain adaptable to new threats. To effectively manage fraud risks in the Indian banking business, it is crucial to invest in cutting-edge technologies, promote a culture of honesty and adherence to rules, and actively cooperate with regulatory agencies and other players in the industry.
[1]A. Sen, “The Evolution of Bank Frauds in India,” Journal of Banking History, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 25-38 (2023).
[2]V. Das, “A Historical Overview of Fraudulent Activities in the Indian Banking Sector,” Journal of Finance and Law, vol. 12, no. 3, pp. 102-115 (2022).