Bhubaneswar: President Droupadi Murmu on Friday voiced serious concern over the sharp rise in cyber fraud cases across India, calling for a nationwide push to improve digital awareness and urging that financial literacy be formally introduced into school education to protect citizens from online scams.
Speaking at the Black Swan Summit organised by the Odisha government in partnership with the Global Finance and Technology Network (GFTN), the President said that the rapid adoption of digital tools has brought immense convenience but has also exposed millions—especially in rural and tribal regions—to financial risks they are often ill-equipped to handle.
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“Online financial frauds can wipe out a person’s lifelong savings and lead to severe mental and social distress,” Murmu said, stressing that many citizens in remote areas are still unfamiliar with digital platforms and safety practices.
Highlighting the vulnerability of first-time users of online banking and payment systems, she underscored the urgent need for widespread awareness campaigns to help people identify suspicious activity and avoid falling prey to fraudsters.
“There is a need to make people vigilant and alert. Awareness is the first line of defence against cybercrime,” the President said.
Murmu also advocated integrating financial literacy into school curricula, arguing that early education on digital payments, online security and basic financial management would equip future generations to navigate an increasingly cashless economy more safely.
Officials present at the summit noted that India has witnessed a steady increase in reported cyber fraud incidents in recent years, driven by phishing attacks, fake investment schemes, impersonation scams and fraudulent customer care calls. The rapid expansion of digital payments has made cybercrime both easier to execute and harder to detect, particularly among elderly users and those new to online services.
Addressing these challenges, Murmu pointed to a series of initiatives launched by the Centre to strengthen cybercrime prevention and response mechanisms. These include the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), designed to improve coordination among law enforcement agencies, and the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System, which enables victims to report fraud quickly and helps authorities block stolen funds in real time.
She also referred to the Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre, which works with banks, telecom providers and digital platforms to identify emerging threats and disrupt fraud networks.
“These systems are being continuously strengthened, but institutional measures alone are not enough. Public participation and awareness are equally critical,” Murmu said.
The President emphasised that digital inclusion must go hand in hand with digital safety, particularly as government services, welfare payments and everyday transactions increasingly move online. She urged state governments, educational institutions and civil society organisations to collaborate on outreach programmes that explain basic cyber hygiene, such as protecting personal information, avoiding unknown links and verifying requests for money.
The Black Swan Summit brought together policymakers, technology experts and financial sector leaders to discuss emerging risks in the digital economy and strategies to build resilient financial systems. Odisha officials said the state has been stepping up efforts to promote cyber awareness through community workshops and helplines, especially in backward districts.
Experts attending the event warned that fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated, often using artificial intelligence, spoofed phone numbers and fake websites to deceive victims. They stressed that timely reporting of suspicious transactions can significantly improve the chances of recovery.
Concluding her address, Murmu called for a collective approach to combating cybercrime, urging citizens to remain cautious while embracing digital tools.
“Technology should empower people, not endanger their livelihoods. With awareness, education and coordinated action, we can ensure that India’s digital journey remains safe and inclusive,” she said.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
