PhonePe has introduced ‘PhonePe Protect’, a new security framework designed to safeguard users from fraudulent digital transactions. The feature alerts users in real time when they attempt to make payments to suspicious mobile numbers. It also provides risk insights when such transactions are declined, reinforcing PhonePe’s commitment to securing digital payments for millions of Indians.
The system leverages the Department of Telecommunications’ (DoT) Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI) to detect high-risk mobile numbers. Transactions to “Very High FRI” numbers are automatically declined with an on-screen alert, while payments to “Medium FRI” numbers trigger proactive warnings before users proceed. PhonePe showcased how the feature works during its collaboration with DoT at the 2025 India Mobile Congress (IMC), where the company was recognised for early adoption of the AI-based FRI tool to curb cyber fraud.
Speaking about the new feature, Anuj Bhansali, Head of Trust & Safety at PhonePe, said that ‘PhonePe Protect’ strengthens the company’s vision of embedding security into every transaction. He noted that the tool shields over 610 million users (as of March 31, 2025) from cyber threats in real time, boosting confidence and helping prevent unintended transfers to fraudulent recipients.