New Delhi: The central government has prevented cyber criminals from stealing Rs 8,189 crore between 2021 and 2025 through timely intervention in more than 23.61 lakh reported cases. The information was shared in the Rajya Sabha by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, who outlined the progress made under the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System.
The reporting platform, launched in 2021 under the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, allows victims to immediately flag financial frauds so that transactions can be stopped before money is withdrawn. Officials stated that the system has played a crucial role in freezing suspicious transfers and tracing fraudulent accounts, leading to significant savings for citizens.
Along with the online portal, the government has also operationalised the toll free helpline number 1930 to assist people in registering complaints. The minister informed Parliament that more than 12.21 lakh mobile SIM cards and 3.03 lakh device identification numbers linked to cyber crimes have been blocked on the basis of reports received from police authorities across the country.
As part of preventive efforts, a new mechanism called the Suspect Registry was introduced in September 2024 in partnership with banks and financial institutions. This initiative helps identify doubtful transactions at an early stage and prevents funds from moving into mule accounts. According to the ministry, over 21.65 lakh suspect identifiers and 26.48 lakh first level mule accounts have already been shared with participating agencies.
The system has resulted in the rejection of transactions worth Rs 9,055 crore, further reducing potential losses. Authorities emphasised that cooperation between law enforcement agencies, banks and telecom service providers has been critical in disrupting organised cyber fraud networks.
In another response to the House, the ministry said a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure was issued in January to create a uniform and victim focused framework for handling financial cyber crime complaints. The guidelines aim to ensure faster coordination among different stakeholders and quicker relief for affected citizens.
Government data also showed a steady rise in registered cyber fraud cases, increasing from 14,007 in 2021 to 19,466 in 2023. While maintaining that policing remains primarily a state responsibility, the Centre reiterated its commitment to supporting states and Union Territories through training, technology support and national level coordination to tackle the growing threat of digital crime.
