Why in News
- Milestone crossed: The Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI) has prevented suspected cyber fraud transactions of over ₹5,000 crore.
Core facts
- What FRI is: The Financial Fraud Risk Indicator is a real time risk assessment framework. It flags whether a mobile number may be linked to cyber crime or fraud.
- Administering body: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) developed and operates it. It launched on 22 May 2025.
- Risk classes: FRI classifies mobile numbers into three categories. These are Medium, High and Very High risk.
- Data sources: It draws on citizen reports through Sanchar Saathi, the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, telecom operators and financial institutions.
- Use by institutions: Banks, payment providers, insurers and pension entities use the risk signal for transaction monitoring.
- Amount protected: FRI prevented ₹5,043.73 crore in suspected fraud as of August 2026.
- Recent record: Over ₹2,000 crore was prevented between April and August 2026. More than 1,600 organisations are on the platform.
Static Context
- The Digital Intelligence Platform was launched by the Department of Telecommunications in 2024. FRI operates within it.
- Sanchar Saathi is a citizen portal to report suspected fraud communication and to block lost or stolen mobile handsets.
- The National Cybercrime Reporting Portal is run by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Prelims angle
- FRI custodian: Department of Telecommunications, within the Digital Intelligence Platform.
- Related platforms: Sanchar Saathi, National Cybercrime Reporting Portal and I4C are frequently tested.
Mains angle
- GS3, internal security: A question can assess how real time data sharing between telecom and banking systems strengthens India’s response to cyber financial fraud.
Matching Previous Year Question
“No direct Prelims PYQ on financial fraud prevention was traced in the provided files. Closest Microtheme: Cyber Security (Internal Security).”
“[2022, GS3, 10 marks] What are the different elements of cyber security? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy.”
