Centre blocks 3,718 mobile apps, including illegal loan apps

The Indian government has blocked a staggering 3,718 mobile apps, including fraudulent loan applications, in a bid to protect users from potential scams, according to Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Minister of State for Home Affairs. Kumar shared this information in a recent statement to the Lok Sabha. "Between June 30, 2023, and June 30, 2024, 3,718 mobile applications, including fraudulent loan apps, have been blocked by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)," he stated.

The Centre's efforts have not been limited to just mobile apps; they have also taken action against over 15.75 lakh SIM cards and 5.77 lakh IMEIs, as reported by various police authorities. Kumar's written response to a Lok Sabha query also highlighted the positive impact of the I4C-managed 'Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System' (CFCFRMS).

This system, introduced in 2021, has reportedly saved more than Rs 11,158 crore by thwarting financial frauds. "The CFCFRMS, managed by the I4C, has successfully saved over Rs. 11,158 crore from financial frauds through more than 32.8 lakh complaints up to June 30, 2024," Kumar revealed.