Former Union Minister Dayanidhi Maran Falls Victim to Rs 99,999 Net Banking Fraud
Update Now: In a startling incident that highlights the vulnerability of even tech-savvy individuals to cybercrimes, former Union Minister and senior DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) leader, Dayanidhi Maran, reported falling victim to a net banking fraud amounting to Rs 99,999. Maran took to social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), to share his ordeal and raise concerns about the security of online financial transactions.
According to Maran’s account, the fraudulent transaction occurred in his Axis Bank personal savings account and was routed through “IDFC First Bank-Billdesk.” What set this incident apart was the apparent bypassing of standard security protocols, leaving him perplexed and concerned about the safety of online banking. Maran asserted that he neither initiated nor authorized the transaction and that it occurred without the generation or reception of the customary One-Time Password (OTP) on his linked mobile number.
Instead of sending the OTP to his registered mobile, the fraudsters called Maran’s wife, who is a joint holder of the account, to inquire about the transaction’s status. Posing as bank representatives, they raised suspicion by displaying the handle “@cbic_india” in their profile picture, which made Maran immediately realize the fraudulent nature of the call. Subsequently, he took swift action to block all activities on his bank account.
Maran, who previously held the Communications & IT portfolio in the UPA government, expressed astonishment at how the fraudsters could access his personal information and subvert security measures with apparent ease. He clarified that this was not a phishing attack, and no sensitive information was disclosed. Axis Bank reportedly struggled to provide an explanation for the absence of an OTP requirement for the transaction.
The DMK leader emphasized the need for accountability and justice from the government, especially in light of the increasing incidence of financial fraud in India, constituting 75 percent of cybercrimes from January 2020 to June 2023. He also pointed to previous incidents of sensitive data breaches and ransomware attacks affecting banks. Maran called for robust security measures and government intervention to protect citizens’ private data and urged the Finance Ministry to release a white paper addressing these concerns.
This incident involving a prominent public figure highlights the urgency of bolstering cybersecurity measures and ensuring the safety of online financial transactions for all citizens, including those less technologically aware and vulnerable groups such as senior citizens. It serves as a reminder that no one is immune to the threat of cybercrimes, and vigilance in safeguarding personal data remains paramount in the digital age.