Identity theft fraud- major loophole for FinTech industry in India
Authors: Saluja Shefali 
Published: November 2022

PurposeThe fraud landscape for FinTech industry has increased over the past few years, certainly during the time of COVID-19, FinTech market reported rapid growth in the fraud cases (World Bank, 2020). Taking the consideration, the paper has qualitatively understood the loopholes of the FinTech industry and designed a conceptual model declaring “Identity Theft” as the major and the common fraud type in this industry. The paper is divided in two phases. The first phase discusses about the evolution of FinTech industry, the second phase discusses “Identity Theft” as the common fraud type in FinTech Industry and suggests solutions to prevent “Identity Theft” frauds. This study aims to serve as a guide for subsequent investigations into the FinTech sector and add to the body of knowledge regarding fraud detection and prevention. This study would also help organisations and regulators raise their professional standards in relation to the global fraud scene.Design/methodology/approachThis paper revisits the literature to understand the evolution of FinTech Industry and the types of FinTech solutions. The authors argue that traditional models must be modernised to keep up with the current trends in the rapidly increasing number and severity of fraud incidents and however introduces the conceptual model of the common fraud type in FinTech Industry. The research also develops evidences based on theoretical underpinnings to enhance the comprehension of the key fraud-causing elements.FindingsThe authors have identified the most common fraud type in the FinTech Industry which is “Identity Theft” and supports the study with profusion of literature. “Identity theft” and various types of fraud continue to outbreak customers and industries similar in 2021, leaving several to wonder what could be the scenario in 2022 and coming years ahead (IBS Inteligence, 2022). “Identify theft” has been identified as one the common fraud schemes to defraud individuals as per the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. There is a need for many of the FinTech organisations to create preventive measures to combat such fraud scheme. The authors suggest some preventive techniques to prevent corporate frauds in the FinTech industry.Research limitations/implicationsThis study identifies the evolution of FinTech industry, major evidences of Identity Thefts and some preventive suggestions to combat identity theft frauds which requires practical approach in FinTech Industry. Further, this study is based out of qualitative data, the study can be modified with statistical data and can be measured with the quantitative results.Practical implicationsThis study would also help organisations and regulators raise their professional standards in relation to the global fraud scene.Social implicationsThis study will serve as a guide for subsequent investigations into the FinTech sector and add to the body of knowledge regarding fraud detection and prevention.Originality/valueThis study presents evidence for the most prevalent fraud scheme in the FinTech sector and proposes that it serve as a theoretical standard for all ensuing comparison.