Cyber Fraud Alert: Three people have reportedly been arrested in Patna for allegedly providing their bank accounts to cyber fraudsters. Police found transactions worth around ₹25 crore linked to the accounts. Here’s why renting out your bank account for a small commission can land you in serious trouble.

With digital payments becoming increasingly common, cybercriminals are also finding new ways to receive and move money obtained through online scams. One such case has emerged from Patna, Bihar, where police have arrested three people for allegedly allowing their bank accounts to be used for cyber fraud.

According to police, transactions worth nearly ₹25 crore were detected through the bank accounts under investigation. The accused allegedly received a few thousand rupees for allowing others to use their accounts for transferring money.

The case is an important warning for anyone tempted by offers of quick money in exchange for providing access to a bank account.

What Happened in the Patna Cyber Fraud Case?

Police identified the three accused as Prabhakar, Amit and Deepak. They are accused of making their bank accounts available to people allegedly involved in cybercrime.

According to the investigation, the account holders were reportedly paid around ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 per transaction. The accounts were allegedly used to receive money obtained through online fraud and then transfer it to other accounts.

Police are now investigating the wider network behind these transactions and trying to identify other people who may have been involved.

Two of the accused reportedly worked as bike-taxi drivers, while the third is also suspected of helping provide bank accounts to the alleged cybercrime network.

Transactions Worth Around ₹25 Crore Detected

One of the most significant findings in the investigation is the volume of money that allegedly moved through the accounts.

Police have reportedly detected transactions of around ₹25 crore through the bank accounts linked to the accused. Investigators suspect that some of this money may have originated from victims of online fraud in different parts of the country.

Complaints connected to the accused accounts were also reportedly filed by victims through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.

The investigation is continuing to establish the source of the money, where it was transferred and who ultimately controlled the transactions.

What Is a Mule Bank Account?

Bank accounts used to receive and move illegally obtained money are commonly referred to as mule accounts or money mule accounts.

Cybercriminals may avoid receiving stolen money directly into accounts registered in their own names. Instead, they may convince other people to provide their bank accounts in return for a commission.

For example, a person may be told that ₹1 lakh will be transferred into their account and that they only need to send the money to another account. In return, they may be promised ₹3,000 or ₹5,000.

Such an arrangement may appear to be an easy way to earn money, but the transaction trail remains connected to the account holder.

Why Renting Out Your Bank Account Is Risky

Allowing another person to use your bank account can have serious consequences, particularly when you do not know the source or purpose of the transactions.

If money linked to cyber fraud enters your account, investigators may trace the transaction back to you. The bank account may also face restrictions while authorities examine the transactions.

Simply claiming that another person was operating the account may not immediately resolve the issue. The account holder could be required to explain why the money was received, who instructed them to transfer it and why they provided access to the account.

This is why people should never rent, sell or lend their bank accounts to strangers or agents for a commission.

Beware of Part-Time Job and Commission Offers

Cybercriminals may recruit people for mule accounts through seemingly attractive offers. These can include work-from-home jobs, part-time income opportunities, payment-processing work or commissions for receiving and forwarding money.

A person may initially be asked to process small transactions. Once trust is established, much larger amounts could start moving through the account.

Treat any offer that requires you to receive money from unknown people and forward it elsewhere as a major warning sign.

Never Share Banking Credentials

Bank account holders should also protect access to their accounts. Never share sensitive banking credentials with another person, even if they promise money in return.

Details such as your ATM or debit card PIN, UPI PIN, internet banking password and OTP should always remain confidential. You should also avoid handing over your debit card, cheque book or mobile banking access to another person.

Giving someone these details can effectively provide them control over your bank account.

What If Unknown Money Reaches Your Account?

If you unexpectedly receive money from an unknown person, do not immediately transfer it to another account simply because someone calls or messages you with instructions.

First, check the transaction carefully and inform your bank if the payment appears suspicious. Keep screenshots, transaction IDs, messages and other relevant information that could help establish what happened.

If you suspect that the transaction is connected to cybercrime, report the matter through the appropriate official cybercrime channels.

A Small Commission Can Create a Big Problem

The Patna case highlights how a few thousand rupees in commission can potentially connect an individual to transactions worth crores.

The safest rule is simple: never allow anyone to use your bank account to receive or transfer money on their behalf when you do not know the legitimate source and purpose of the funds.

Protect your bank account just as carefully as your ATM PIN or UPI credentials. An offer of ₹3,000 or ₹5,000 may look attractive, but becoming involved in suspicious financial transactions can result in account restrictions, investigation and potentially serious legal consequences.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information and cyber-fraud awareness. If you notice a suspicious transaction in your bank account, contact your bank and the appropriate official authorities promptly.