Farhan Akhtar's Mother Loses ₹12 Lakh in Fuel Card Fraud by Her Driver – Learn How to Protect Yourself from Such Scams

A shocking case of financial fraud has emerged from Mumbai involving actor Farhan Akhtar’s mother, Honey Irani, whose driver allegedly cheated her of ₹12 lakh by misusing a fuel card over several years. The incident has not only stunned Bollywood circles but also serves as a warning to car owners across the country who trust their drivers with fuel cards or payment cards.

The Case: How the Fraud Was Executed

According to the FIR filed at Bandra Police Station, Honey Irani’s manager, Diya Bhatia, lodged a complaint on October 1, 2025, after discovering discrepancies in fuel expenses. The complaint revealed that Irani’s driver, Naresh Singh, colluded with a petrol pump employee, Arun Singh, to misuse the fuel cards issued in the actor’s name.

Between April 2022 and September 2025, Naresh repeatedly swiped the fuel card at the pump but did not actually fill fuel in the vehicles. Instead, he received cash kickbacks from the petrol pump employee. Reports suggest that despite the car’s fuel tank capacity being only 35 litres, bills showed 62 litres of fuel being filled—an obvious red flag.

The police investigation found that the fraudulent activity continued for over three years, during which Naresh pocketed ₹1,000–₹1,500 daily through fake transactions. The total amount siphoned off was around ₹12 lakh.

During questioning, the driver confessed that he obtained the fuel card in 2022 through one of Farhan Akhtar’s former drivers. He had been exploiting the system ever since, in coordination with the pump employee who received a small commission for each fake transaction. The police have now arrested the driver, while further investigation is underway to trace additional evidence and any possible accomplices.

Lessons from the Incident

This case highlights how easily trusted domestic employees can exploit financial tools like fuel cards or credit cards when there is no regular monitoring. Many individuals, especially those with busy schedules, often allow their drivers to refuel vehicles independently, assuming all expenses are legitimate. However, as this incident shows, that trust can sometimes be misused.

To prevent falling victim to similar frauds, experts recommend adopting simple yet effective precautions to safeguard your finances.

Safety Tips: How to Avoid Fuel Card Scams

Accompany Your Driver Whenever Possible
Try to be present during fuel refills, especially when large amounts are being billed. This reduces the chance of fake transactions.

Always Ask for Printed Fuel Bills
Ensure that your driver brings back a valid fuel receipt each time. Verify the details like quantity, amount, and pump location.

Set Clear Usage Rules
Do not hand over your fuel or payment cards permanently. Give the card only when necessary and collect it back immediately.

Monitor Bank Statements Regularly
Frequently check your account statements for unusual fuel charges or repetitive billing from the same pump.

Check Fuel Gauge After Every Refill
After each transaction, confirm that the car’s fuel gauge reflects the correct increase in fuel level. Any mismatch may indicate manipulation.

Report Lost or Misused Cards Immediately
In case of loss, theft, or suspected misuse, block the card instantly and inform your bank or card issuer.

Verify Petrol Pump Records Periodically
If your vehicle is frequently refueled at a specific petrol station, make occasional inquiries with the station manager to ensure transaction authenticity.

Avoid Giving Fuel Cards to Multiple Drivers
Assign one responsible person for vehicle maintenance to avoid confusion or shared misuse.

Why Vigilance Is Crucial

This incident serves as a strong reminder that financial vigilance is essential, even within trusted circles. A simple lack of oversight can lead to significant losses over time. Digital payments and fuel cards are convenient, but they must be used with awareness and strict accountability.

Honey Irani’s case is a classic example of how small, unnoticed discrepancies—like inflated fuel bills—can accumulate into large-scale fraud if left unchecked.

Final Takeaway

With growing dependence on digital payment methods, personal and household financial security must remain a top priority. Always cross-check your transactions, question inconsistencies, and maintain transparency with your staff.

Being alert today can save you from major losses tomorrow.