India’s digital payment ecosystem has witnessed a remarkable surge, with total transactions crossing 18,000 crore in FY 2024-25 (till January 2025). This growth is primarily driven by UPI adoption, enhanced fintech collaborations, and government initiatives to promote cashless transactions. To ensure security, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) have implemented AI-driven fraud detection systems and awareness campaigns to curb financial cybercrimes. Additionally, the government has strengthened cybercrime reporting mechanisms to enhance user safety in digital transactions.
Key Highlights
- Total Digital Payments (including UPI transactions) have surged to 18,120.82 crore transactions (Till January 2025).
- Significant growth in digital transaction volume over the last five financial years.
- RBI & NPCI launch AI-based fraud prevention measures and awareness campaigns.
- Government initiatives to curb financial cybercrimes, including the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal & Helpline (1930).
Growth in Digital Payments (Last Five Financial Years)
- Financial Year Volume (in Crore Transactions) Value (in Lakh Crore ₹)
- 2020-21 4,370.68 1,414.58
- 2021-22 7,197.68 1,744.01
- 2022-23 11,393.82 2,086.85
- 2023-24 16,443.02 2,428.24
- 2024-25 (Till Jan 2025) 18,120.82 2,330.72
- Transaction volume has more than quadrupled since 2020-21!
Measures to Prevent UPI and Digital Payment Frauds
1. AI/ML-Based Fraud Prevention by NPCI
- Device Binding: Transactions are linked to a customer’s mobile number & device.
- Two-Factor Authentication: PIN-based verification for secure transactions.
- Daily Transaction Limits: Caps on high-value transactions to minimize fraud.
- AI/ML Fraud Monitoring Solutions: NPCI alerts banks and declines suspicious transactions using AI-based models.
2. RBI & Banks’ Awareness Campaigns
- SMS Alerts: Quick fraud prevention messages to users.
- Radio & Public Awareness: National campaigns on cybercrime prevention.
3. Cybercrime Reporting & Helplines
- National Cybercrime Reporting Portal: www.cybercrime.gov.in
- Cybercrime Helpline: Call 1930 for immediate fraud reporting.
Department of Telecommunications Initiatives
- Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP): Tracks fraud transactions.
- ‘Chakshu’ Facility: Enables reporting of fraud calls, SMS, or WhatsApp messages.
Summary/Static | Details |
Why in the news? | Digital Payment Transactions Cross 18,000 Crore in FY 2024-25 |
Total Digital Payment Transactions (FY 2024-25) | 18,120.82 crore (till Jan 2025) |
Growth in Digital Transactions (FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25) | Increased over 4x from 4,370.68 crore in FY 2020-21 |
UPI’s Share in Total Digital Transactions (FY 2023-24) | 70% of total transactions |
Key Growth Drivers | UPI adoption, fintech collaborations, government incentives |
Security Initiatives | AI-driven fraud detection, two-factor authentication, daily transaction limits |
Cybercrime Reporting Mechanisms | – National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in) – Helpline Number: 1930 – Chakshu facility for reporting fraud calls/SMS |
Awareness Campaigns by RBI & NPCI | SMS alerts, radio campaigns, cybersecurity education programs |
Government Initiative for Digital Payments | DIGIDHAN Mission to promote cashless economy |