PM Warns Against Online Fraud; Says India Building a New Knowledge Era Through AI

Special Correspondent: Deepak Sagar
New Delhi

Raising serious concerns over the rising wave of digital fraud, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged citizens to remain vigilant against scams carried out in the name of KYC (Know Your Customer) verification. Speaking during his monthly radio address Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister cautioned that cybercriminals are increasingly targeting not only ordinary citizens but also senior citizens, often wiping out their lifetime savings.


Describing such incidents as “extremely unfortunate and inexcusable,” the Prime Minister emphasized that digital awareness is the first line of defense in today’s technology-driven world.


New Fraud Pattern: KYC Update Scam
The Prime Minister highlighted a growing pattern in which fraudsters impersonate bank officials or government representatives and demand:
OTP codes
Aadhaar numbers
Bank account details
under the pretext of KYC or re-KYC verification.


He clearly stated that KYC processes should only be completed through authorized bank branches or official channels and urged citizens:
Never share OTPs or confidential financial details.
Avoid clicking on suspicious links or responding to unknown calls.
Regularly update passwords and secure digital credentials.


India’s Global Push in Artificial Intelligence
While warning against cybercrime, the Prime Minister also underlined India’s expanding global role in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Referring to discussions at the recently held Global AI Summit, he said India is leveraging AI to preserve and promote its ancient knowledge systems.

He cited the example of Sushruta Samhita, which is being digitized and made accessible to researchers worldwide, demonstrating how technology can bridge tradition and innovation.


According to the Prime Minister, AI is not merely a technological tool but a transformative force that is helping India create a “new knowledge ecosystem” for future generations.

Global Cyber Threats, Strong Indian Response
The Prime Minister’s remarks come amid a sharp rise in international cybercrime networks operating across borders. Digital fraud syndicates based overseas are increasingly targeting Indian users through sophisticated social engineering tactics.
India, he said, has strengthened its technological safeguards while simultaneously prioritizing public awareness campaigns to combat cybercrime.

Clear Message to Citizens
“Digital progress is meaningful only when citizens remain alert,” the Prime Minister asserted, urging people to treat cybersecurity as a shared responsibility and to promptly report suspicious activities.

In an era defined by rapid digital expansion, an informed and vigilant citizenry remains the foundation of a secure nation — a message that resonated strongly throughout the address.