New Delhi — In a major step toward strengthening India’s digital security infrastructure, the Government of India has unveiled a new initiative titled “Curbing Cyber Frauds in Digital India.” The programme aims to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to detect, analyze, and prevent cyber frauds in real time — a crucial intervention amid the country’s rapidly expanding digital ecosystem.
According to official data from the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), the number of cybercrime complaints has more than doubled in just two years — from 1.02 million in 2022 to 2.26 million in 2024. The government believes AI-driven monitoring systems could help reduce this surge by identifying fraudulent transactions at the source.
AI-Powered Detection for Real-Time Fraud Prevention
At the core of this initiative lies an AI-ML framework designed to flag suspicious transactions instantly. Once detected, these alerts will be shared simultaneously with banks, telecom operators, and law enforcement agencies, enabling rapid blocking of fraudulent transfers.
A senior official involved in the project said, “The AI engine will recognize unusual behavior patterns in digital payments — such as multiple small transactions, irregular location pings, or mismatched device IDs — and issue automated alerts to prevent financial loss.”
The framework is being developed in coordination with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to ensure interoperability across sectors.
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AI Integration with Cyber Helpline and National Portal
The government’s National Cybercrime Helpline (1930) and the portal cybercrime.gov.in will also be integrated with the new AI ecosystem. This integration will allow automated complaint tracking, faster data verification, and improved coordination between financial institutions and police authorities.
Officials said the move will create a “real-time loop” connecting victims, service providers, and investigators — drastically reducing the response time from days to minutes, a crucial improvement in fraud cases where timing is critical.
Crackdown on Fake SIMs and Devices
As part of the wider cybersecurity framework, authorities have already blocked over 9.42 lakh SIM cards and 2.63 lakh fake IMEI numbers linked to organized fraud networks.
Telecom officials said these actions have disrupted several large-scale syndicates that relied on bulk SIMs and cloned devices to commit financial scams and identity theft.
The crackdown, they added, is a significant step toward “cleaning up India’s digital backbone” before the AI-powered fraud detection system is deployed nationwide.
Capacity Building: Training India’s Cyber Police
Recognizing that technology alone is not enough, the government has placed equal emphasis on capacity building. Through its ‘CyTrain’ platform, more than 1.05 lakh police officers have been trained in cybercrime investigation, digital forensics, and evidence preservation.
Recent legislative measures — including the Information Technology Act, Intermediary Guidelines, and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 — have further strengthened India’s regulatory framework, ensuring accountability across digital platforms.
Expert View: Prof. Triveni Singh, Cybercrime Specialist and Ex-IPS Officer
Welcoming the move, Prof. Triveni Singh, noted cybercrime expert and former IPS officer, called the initiative “a landmark shift in India’s cyber policing model.”
“Cyber fraud has become more sophisticated and organized, often involving cross-border coordination,” Prof. Singh said. “The use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning will allow enforcement agencies to identify patterns and anticipate crimes before they occur — shifting our approach from reactive to preventive policing.”
He further emphasized the need for collaboration between banks, fintech companies, and law enforcement to make the system more effective.
“AI can only be as strong as the data it receives,” he noted. “If we can build a unified fraud intelligence network, India could become a global model for digital safety.”
Five Key Safety Tips for Citizens
The Ministry of Home Affairs has also issued public advisories to enhance citizen awareness:
1. Never share OTPs, passwords, or UPI PINs with anyone.
2. Download apps only from authorized app stores.
3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on all accounts.
4. Report suspicious activity immediately to 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.
5. Regularly review app permissions and privacy settings.
The Road Ahead
With over 86% of Indian households now connected to the internet, ensuring digital safety is no longer optional — it’s essential. The “Curbing Cyber Frauds in Digital India” initiative marks a pivotal moment in India’s cyber governance strategy.
If implemented effectively, experts believe it will transform India into one of the few countries capable of detecting and neutralizing financial frauds in real time. By combining technology, training, and legal reform, India is building not just a digital economy — but a digitally secure nation.
