In India, banking on mobile can be done through mobile banking and mobile wallets, with more facilities offered to customers the chances of frauds tend to increase.
As per the latest RBI policy on mobile wallets, an individual customer can load up to Rs 1,00,000 in wallets or transfer from one wallet to another. These wallets, apps will help reduce cash transaction as suggested by RBI as it will help track the transaction easily.
Most of the banks in India offer mobile banking and banking apps for financial transactions such as bill payments, fund transfer, shopping etc.
Individuals should be aware of what are the risk involved in banking through mobile. As per the Assocham-PwC report here are 10 risks involved in using mobile banking and wallets for financial transactions.
Mobile banking mapped to incorrect number
Individuals such as senior citizen or persons who are not using mobile banking can a easy trap. An employee or fraudster can attach his number to the bank account and install mobile application for the same. The bank customer will not be aware as he does not get any notification regarding the same.
Creating fake and non-existent users
Most of the banks appoint a vendor to design a mobile application to be integrated to their banking system.
There are chances that the vendor may create two unauthorised users with rights to initiate and verify transactions, and transfer funds from the organisation to his associates' wallets, effectively stealing money from banks.
Malware
The increase in the number of mobile banking users is accompanied by a rise in attacks through malware.
Malware is a software which is specifically designed to disrupt or damage a computer system.
Data theft
Mass attacks are possible through the theft of credentials which can be used for personal benefits.
SIM swap
SIM swap means replacing the old SIM with a new one, when the old gets lost or damaged, or when one needs a differently sized SIM card.
If a fraudster manages such a swap, he can carry out numerous fraudulent transactions using the mobile number of the victim
Fake or similar interface apps
Fake applications, with exactly the same user interface as the original application, are being created to steal confidential information shared by the user.
Money laundering
Transfer of money into and out of a mobile wallet from or to a bank account is now possible. Cash-in from the bank account of an individual and cash-out to a different bank account of another individual can be used as a platform for laundering unaccounted money.
Unauthorised deductions from the wallet of a customer
Employees of the mobile wallet service provider may misuse the balance stored in the wallet of a customer by making unauthorised deductions
Failure to conduct proper due diligence of merchants
If the merchant on-boarded by the service provider is a fraudster, and the payment is made by the customer for fictitious goods or services from the merchant, cash can be rotated with minimum transaction fees.
No auto log off facility
An individual usually opens the application on his mobile device for availing of the services and closes the application, instead of logging out.
If the mobile device is stolen or lost and a fraudster opens the application, he can misuse the remaining balance in the service provider's wallet.
More From GoodReturns

Gas Cylinder Booking Rules: 5 Things To Know For Your 14.2Kg, 19KG, 5KG, 10KG LPG Booking In April 2026

New PAN Card Rules From April 1, 2026: How To Apply For New PAN Card Via Protean, E-Filing Portal?

LPG Gas Cylinder Prices Hiked Again From April 1; 19 KG LPG Gets Costlier By Rs 218; 14.2 KG LPG Unchanged

Gold Rate in India Rises Over Rs 37,000/24K in Three Days; Will Jump in Gold Price Today Continue on 31 March?

Gold Price Today Declines After 3-Day Surge; Check Latest 22K, 24K, 18K Gold & Silver Rates in Delhi on 2April

Bank Holiday In April 2026: Banks To Be Closed For 14 Days; Good Friday, Baisakhi To Akshaya Tritiya

Hyderabad Gold Rates Today Crash By Rs 40,000 After 6 Days, Silver Rate Falls By Rs 10,000: 24K, 22K, 18k Gold

5 New Shares On One Soon: Anil Agarwal's Vedanta Demerger To Take Place in April, Says Report

Fresh Drop in Gold Rate Today; Silver Stable: Latest 22K, 24K, 18K Gold & Silver Prices in Delhi on 30 March

Gold Rate in India Rebounds After Falling Nearly Rs 40,000 In a Day; Will Gold Price Today Jump or Drop?

Govt Approves PDS Kerosene Distribution in 21 States for 60 Days, Sets 5,000 L Storage Limit Amid LPG Crisis



Click it and Unblock the Notifications