Core Insights - Bharti Airtel's MD & CEO Gopal Vittal emphasizes the importance of using Airtel Payments Bank for online transactions to mitigate the risks associated with financial scams targeting users [8] - The rise in cyber fraud incidents in India is alarming, with reported cases increasing from 1.029 million in 2022 to 2.268 million in 2024, highlighting the growing complexity of digital threats [8] - The financial impact of cyber fraud is significant, with ₹36.45 lakh reported on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal as of February 28, 2025 [4][8] Company Initiatives - Airtel Payments Bank is designed for minimal balance requirements, allowing customers to deposit only a small amount for transactions, thereby reducing exposure to scams [8] - The company has implemented AI-driven spam protection measures, including instant alerts for spam calls and messages, and the ability to block fraudulent links even if clicked accidentally [7][8] - Airtel has encouraged customers to report spam through the TRAI DND mobile application, aiding in the disconnection of over 2.1 million mobile numbers involved in spam and fraud [5][8] Industry Context - The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has taken action against spam and fraud by disconnecting and blacklisting numerous mobile numbers and entities [5][8] - The increase in cybersecurity incidents reflects a broader trend of escalating digital threats in the Indian market, necessitating enhanced protective measures from telecom operators [8]