Cyber fraud prevention: Govt Launches FFRI Tool to Combat Cyber Fraud; High-Risk Mobile Numbers to Face Extra Verification

In a decisive move to curb digital payment frauds, the Indian government has launched a powerful new weapon against cyber criminals — the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FFRI) tool. Developed by the Department of Telecommunications, this tool is designed to identify suspicious mobile numbers and help banks, UPI platforms, and financial institutions impose extra security layers to prevent fraud.

What is FFRI?

The Financial Fraud Risk Indicator works as a real-time risk assessment engine that:

• Flags mobile numbers linked to cyber fraud.

• Classifies them into Medium, High, or Highest Risk categories.

• Shares insights using the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) for fast and collaborative response.

Key Features of the FFRI Tool:

🔹 Suspicious Number Detection:
The tool uses data from the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, Chakshu, and financial institutions to identify mobile numbers associated with scams.

🔹 Risk Classification:
Numbers are labeled based on risk levels — Medium, High, or Highest, triggering different levels of verification during a digital transaction.

🔹 Real-Time Alerts for Banks & UPI:
It allows banks, NBFCs, and UPI service providers to take timely action, such as blocking transactions or triggering extra checks.

🔹 Faster Fraud Prevention:
As scam-linked numbers often remain active for just a few days, early detection is critical. FFRI empowers institutions to act swiftly before damage is done.

PhonePe Leads by Example

Popular payment app PhonePe has already started using the tool and is blocking transactions involving “Highest Risk” mobile numbers. This move sets a benchmark in digital payment security, according to industry experts.

A Collaborative Shield

FFRI marks a new chapter in India's fight against cybercrime, combining intelligence from telecom, financial, and law enforcement domains. By enabling coordinated and data-driven action, it raises the bar for cyber hygiene and consumer protection.