Govt to Block UPI Transfers to High-Risk Numbers Under New Anti-Fraud Initiative
In a significant move to curb rising cyber frauds, the Indian government has introduced a new system that will block Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions to mobile numbers identified as high-risk. The Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI), launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), aims to prevent financial crimes by flagging suspicious mobile numbers in real time.
This proactive initiative is part of a broader strategy under the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP), designed to strengthen digital financial safety. According to the DoT, the system will assist banks, NBFCs, and UPI platforms like PhonePe, Paytm, and Google Pay, which together handle over 90% of UPI transaction volume in India.
How the FRI System Works
The FRI tool uses data from multiple sources to assess and assign a risk profile to mobile numbers. These include the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP), the DoT's Chakshu platform, and intelligence from banks and financial bodies. Based on this information, mobile numbers are categorised into Medium, High, and Very High-risk levels.
If a user attempts to make a UPI payment to a number tagged as 'Very High Risk,' the transaction will be automatically blocked, and a warning will be displayed. In the case of 'Medium Risk' numbers, the UPI app will issue a cautionary notification, prompting the user to manually confirm the transaction before proceeding.
'The Digital Intelligence Unit (DIU) of DoT regularly shares the list of Mobile Numbers that were disconnected (Mobile Number Revocation List - MNRL) with stakeholders along with the reasons for disconnections viz. found involved in cyber-crime, failed re-verification, exceeding prescribed limits. These numbers are also usually used for financial frauds,' reads the official government blog post.
The system is designed to act swiftly, with near real-time data sharing, ensuring that suspicious numbers are flagged before any potential fraud can occur. In addition to blocking high-risk transactions, UPI platforms may introduce extra verification steps and transaction delays for numbers with a suspicious history.
Why This Matters
The FRI rollout comes at a time when cybercrime in India is escalating. Fraudsters frequently exploit newly issued SIM cards for scams, which are often deactivated soon after to avoid detection. This has made it increasingly difficult for law enforcement agencies to trace fraudulent activity in time.
To counter this tactic, the Mobile Number Revocation List (MNRL) maintained by the DIU plays a key role. This list, shared with banks and UPI platforms, contains details of mobile numbers disconnected due to fraud, failed KYC verification, or exceeding usage limits. These mobile numbers are commonly found to be at the heart of financial fraud cases.
The FRI initiative represents a crucial step in creating a safer digital payment environment in India. By leveraging shared intelligence and categorising risky behaviour, it empowers UPI service providers to act promptly and protect users from financial harm.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Fashion Value Chain
8 minutes ago
- Fashion Value Chain
BHARAT 2030: Tier-II & III Cities Will Shape India's Rs. 10 Lakh Crore Real Estate Future
As India's real estate growth enters a new phase, a silent but significant transformation is underway that is shifting the centre of gravity away from the countrys traditional metros. In his latest strategic report titled 'BHARAT 2030: The Silent Surge of Tier-II and Tier-III Cities', Ashwinder R. Singh-Chairman of the CII Real Estate Committee (North), Vice Chairman of BCD Group, and Advisor to NAR India- maps the future trajectory of growth and inclusion in Indian real estate. Ashwinder R. Singh As per the report, the new wave of expansion is not driven by temporary demand overflow, but by long-term structural shifts in aspirations, affordability, and accessibility. Tier II cities like Raipur, Salem, Belagavi, Hosur, Jabalpur, Aurangabad, Tirunelveli, Siliguri, Baddi, Udaipur, and Warangal are emerging as the real engines of India's next growth story. Tier III cities like Ayodhya, Dharwad, Sangli, Haldwani, Ajmer, Barshi, Kharagpur, Nanded, Agartala, and Kollam have historically remained under the radar but are now stepping into the spotlight, building the next Rs. 10 lakh crore of India's real estate economy. Ashwinder R. Singh – Chairman of the CII Real Estate Committee (North), Vice Chairman of BCD Group, and Advisor to NAR India, states, 'For decades, India's real estate narrative revolved around the top 7-8 metro cities. But that story is being rewritten. What we're witnessing is not just spillover from saturated metros; it's a fundamental reshaping of the growth landscape. Cities once considered peripheral are now emerging as vibrant hubs for housing, employment, infrastructure, and investment.' The report identifies this shift not as a cyclical deviation from the dominance of metros like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru, but as a deeper reordering of India's urban development model. It pinpoints the specific growth corridors that exemplify this transformation. Bhubaneswar is leading the way with walkable neighbourhoods rooted in smart city design and cultural context. Jabalpur and Gwalior are witnessing township-led growth spurred by improved highway networks and air connectivity. Cities like Salem and Tirunelveli are becoming health-tech magnets, following the lead of Coimbatore. In central India, warehousing hubs are emerging in Raipur, Siliguri, and Belagavi, driven by their strategic locations and enhanced connectivity. Industrial corridors in Hosur, Aurangabad, and Pithampur are evolving into EV manufacturing zones, generating demand for both workforce and executive housing. Even the knowledge suburbs of Chandigarh, such as Baddi, Barotiwala, and Derabassi, are transforming from industrial satellites into integrated living ecosystems. Meanwhile, cities like Lucknow and Ayodhya are undergoing a renaissance, fuelled by government investment, institutional development, and spiritual tourism. One of the most powerful insights from Singh's report is that infrastructure in these cities is leading development. Infrastructure in Tier-II and Tier-III cities is becoming the new imperative for Indian real estate, with expressways, regional airports, railways, and metro lines laying the groundwork for expansion. Corporates are entering early, drawn by cost advantages and access to local talent. Land remains both affordable and available, enabling large-scale, community-led developments. Rising household incomes, improved education, and digital reach are driving aspirations upward. Besides, local governments are offering faster approvals and policy support, making these cities more investor-friendly. The growing trend of reverse migration is further accelerating this shift, as people return home in search of a better quality of life. In terms of strategy, the report encourages developers to enter early, focusing on plotted developments, affordable housing, and township models, while partnering with local players and ensuring timely delivery to build trust and value. Investors need to look beyond the herd, identifying locations where infrastructure aligns with policy intent, signalled by upcoming highways, GCCs, rail links, and institutional projects. Policymakers must treat these cities as testing grounds for reform, enabling faster digital approvals, promoting sustainable urban mobility, and incentivising ESG-led development for long-term impact. India@2030 will not be defined solely by the skylines of Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru. It will take shape in the quieter, determined rise of Tier II and III cities. This transformation is about more than just economic growth; it's about achieving balance, enabling inclusion, and unlocking opportunity across geographies. About the Author Ashwinder R. Singh is Chairman – of the CII Real Estate Committee (North), Vice Chairman & CEO – BCD Group, and Advisor – NAR India. He has authored three leading industry books, regularly delivers keynotes at top real estate forums, and is widely regarded as one of India's strongest advocates for channel partners and broker networks.
Fashion Value Chain
8 minutes ago
- Fashion Value Chain
Kaapi Solutions Secures Exclusive Distribution Rights for Rocket Espresso's Sotto Banco and Doppia Machines in India
Kaapi Solutions, a leading provider of premium coffee equipment and solutions, proudly announces its exclusive distribution rights for Rocket Espresso's latest commercial espresso machines – Rocket Sotto Banco and Rocket Doppia – in India. This partnership marks a significant milestone in bringing world-class espresso craftsmanship to the Indian coffee industry. Mr Vikram Khurana, CEO at Kaapi Solutions Renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship, Rocket Espresso is a premium espresso machine brand that upholds the Italian tradition of 'Fatto a Mano' – meaning 'made by hand.' With its manufacturing base in Milan, Italy, Rocket Espresso effortlessly combines artisanal expertise with cutting-edge technology, delivering exceptional espresso machines for both home and commercial use. The Rocket Sotto Banco is a state-of-the-art under-counter espresso machine that redefines modern coffee brewing. With a sleek design featuring raised groups that elegantly emerge from the counter, it seamlessly combines aesthetic appeal with operational efficiency, making it an ideal choice for contemporary cafes and coffee bars. This advanced machine features a standard configuration with two or three groups and offers flexibility for expansion with additional modules. It supports USB drive compatibility, enabling seamless software updates that keep the system current and adaptable to evolving needs. Designed with performance in mind, the Sotto Banco features a dry steam system for enhanced milk frothing, providing superior texture and consistency. Its touchpad and separate water keys give baristas precise control, while an OLED timer and a 4.3-inch TFT display on the under-counter module ensure intuitive operation and real-time monitoring. The Rocket Doppia integrates advanced technology with a robust feature set to deliver an unparalleled brewing experience. Engineered for high-performance cafes, this machine combines innovation, precision, and user-friendly design to meet the demands of professional baristas. At the core of the Doppia is a 4.3-inch TFT front panel display, offering an intuitive interface and USB connectivity for seamless software updates. A built-in Wi-Fi module enables programming and control directly through a web browser, allowing for easy remote management and customisation. The machine features pressure transducer-regulated service and brew boilers, ensuring rapid steam recovery-perfect for high-volume operations. With precise temperature control, the Doppia guarantees consistency in every shot. To accommodate a variety of cup sizes, the Rocket Doppia includes an adjustable drip tray with a range of 8.5cm to 12.5cm, providing flexibility and convenience without compromising on performance or design. By securing exclusive distribution rights for Rocket Sotto Banco and Rocket Doppia, Kaapi Solutions reinforces its commitment to revolutionizing India's specialty coffee landscape. These espresso machines set new benchmarks for efficiency, innovation, and craftsmanship, catering to the needs of premium coffee establishments and passionate baristas across the country. 'We are proud to bring a world-class espresso experience to India,' said a spokesperson for The Rocket Espresso. 'Our aim is to inspire and empower a new generation of coffee enthusiasts and industry professionals to explore and embrace the art of premium espresso through our high-performance machines.' 'We are thrilled to partner with Rocket Espresso to introduce these world-class machines in India,' said Mr Vikram Khurana, CEO at Kaapi Solutions. 'Both Sotto Banco and Doppia embody superior engineering and user-centric design, ensuring exceptional coffee quality for professionals and coffee connoisseurs alike.' About Kaapi Solutions Kaapi Solutions, with a robust pan-India presence, brings the finest imported coffee machines to elevate your coffee service and deliver a premium experience to your customers. The brand partners with top-tier global names, offering not only automatic coffee and espresso machines but also high-quality roasters, grinders, ice blenders, cleaning solutions, and a full range of barista tools and accessories. Riding the wave of India's thriving specialty coffee movement, Kaapi Solutions empowers cafe entrepreneurs and hospitality leaders with an elite portfolio that includes Astoria, Rocket, Hamilton Beach, Diedrich, and more. Its cutting-edge equipment has redefined coffee craftsmanship at India's most luxurious five-star properties, including the Taj, Roseate, Marriott, and several others.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
9 minutes ago
- Business Standard
SC rejects plea on deportation drive in Assam, asks petitioner to move HC
A bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and Satish Chandra Sharma told the petitioner to approach the Gauhati High Court in the matter The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain a plea which alleged that the Assam government has reportedly launched a "sweeping" drive to detain and deport persons suspected to be foreigners without nationality verification or exhaustion of legal remedies. A bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and Satish Chandra Sharma told the petitioner to approach the Gauhati High Court in the matter. "Why are you not going to the Gauhati High Court?" the bench asked senior advocate Sanjay Hegde, who appeared for petitioner All BTC Minority Students Union. Hegde said the plea was based on an order passed by the apex court earlier. "Please go to the Gauhati High Court," the bench observed. Hegde said the petitioner would withdraw the plea to take appropriate recourse before the high court. The bench allowed him to withdraw the plea. The plea, filed through advocate Adeel Ahmed, referred to a February 4 order of the top court which, while dealing with a separate petition, had directed Assam to initiate the process of deportation of 63 declared foreign nationals, whose nationality was known, within two weeks. "Pursuant to the said order (of February 4)... the state of Assam has reportedly launched a sweeping and indiscriminate drive to detain and deport individuals suspected to be foreigners, even in the absence of foreigners tribunal declarations, nationality verification, or exhaustion of legal remedies," the plea claimed. It referred to news reports, including one about a retired school teacher who was allegedly "pushed back" into Bangladesh. "These instances reflect a growing pattern of deportations conducted by the Assam Police and administrative machinery through informal 'push back' mechanisms, without any judicial oversight or adherence to the safeguards envisaged by the Constitution of India or this court," it claimed. "The 'push back' policy, as implemented, violates Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution by deporting individuals without due process, thereby denying them the opportunity to contest their deportation and infringing upon their right to life and personal liberty," the plea claimed. It alleged that the indiscriminate application of deportation directives, coupled with absence of proper identification, verification and notice mechanisms, has resulted in a situation where Indian citizens were being wrongfully incarcerated and threatened with removal to foreign territories without lawful basis. The plea sought a direction that no person shall be deported pursuant to the February 4 order without a prior reasoned declaration by the foreigners tribunal, without adequate opportunity of appeal or review and verification of nationality by the Ministry of External Affairs. It also sought a declaration that the "push back" policy adopted by Assam was violative of Articles 14 (equality before law) and 21 (protection of life and personal liberty) of the Constitution and contrary to binding judicial precedents. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
