In an effort to combat the rising tide of fraud in India, the Department of Telecommunications has taken strong action, blocking an estimated 3 to 4 lakh SIM cards. These SIM cards were identified as instruments of fraud. The Indian government is intensifying its efforts to tackle spam, scams, and fraudulent activities. In addition to the SIM card blocks, regulations governing SIM card issuance have been fortified, and a surveillance system has been deployed to enhance the identification and monitoring of those engaged in fraudulent practices.
The Financial Risk Indicator, released in May 2025, reveals that around 2,000 SIM cards linked to financial scams are being detected daily. AI-driven technology is being employed to effectively identify, manage, and address fraudulent SIM cards.
While UPI has simplified transactions, it has also become a tool for fraudsters to extract money from people. As a result, all banks in India have been instructed to incorporate Financial Risk Indicators into their systems. These indicators analyze mobile numbers and categorize them based on their level of risk – low, medium, or high.
According to reports, this measure has helped reduce the time required to take action against fraudulent accounts. Financial institutions and banks can prevent fraudulent transactions by using the Financial Risk Indicator. Telecom companies are also enhancing security measures within their network layers to shield the public from fraud.
To stay safe from fraud, remember these key precautions:
* Refrain from clicking on any suspicious links.
* Be wary of unknown calls and messages.
* Only use official apps.