Centre blocks over 3,700 mobile apps in cyber fraud crackdown, saves Rs 11,158 crore

The Centre has blocked more than 3,700 mobile applications as part of its crackdown on cyber-enabled financial fraud, while its intervention mechanisms have helped save more than Rs 11,158 crore from falling into the hands of fraudsters, the government said on Tuesday. The measures form part of a wider effort by the government to strengthen India's response to cybercrime, particularly financial fraud carried out through mobile phones, fraudulent applications and digital communication networks. The government has been using technological interventions alongside coordination among law enforcement agencies, banks, financial institutions and telecom service providers to identify and disrupt networks involved in cyber fraud.

Thousands of fraudulent apps blocked

More than 3,700 mobile applications linked to fraudulent activities have been blocked as authorities intensify action against digital platforms being misused to deceive people and siphon off their money. The government has also taken action against mobile connections and other digital infrastructure suspected of being used by cybercriminals.

A major component of the government's response is the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), which functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs and coordinates efforts to combat cybercrime across the country. The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal provides citizens with a mechanism to report different categories of cybercrime, while the dedicated helpline number 1930 allows victims of financial cyber fraud to quickly report incidents.

Rs 11,158 crore saved

The Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System has played a key role in preventing money stolen through online fraud from being transferred further through the financial system. Through coordinated action involving banks, payment intermediaries and law enforcement agencies, more than Rs 11,158 crore has been saved, according to the government. The system is designed to enable rapid intervention after a victim reports a fraudulent transaction. Speedy reporting can allow authorities and financial institutions to trace the movement of funds and freeze them before fraudsters withdraw or transfer the money further.

Centre strengthens cybercrime response

The government has also been working with telecom companies and other stakeholders to identify communication channels being exploited by criminals. Authorities have repeatedly cautioned people against fraudulent investment schemes, fake trading platforms, impersonation scams, digital arrest frauds and other schemes in which criminals pose as officials or representatives of legitimate organisations. The Centre has stressed that tackling cybercrime requires coordinated action by the Union government, states and Union Territories, financial institutions, telecom service providers and digital platforms. The latest figures underline the growing scale of India's response to cyber-enabled financial crime as the rapid expansion of digital payments and online services creates both opportunities for consumers and new avenues for fraudsters.