Airtel shields 2.1 million Mumbai users from online fraud with real-time AI detection

Automatically integrated for all Airtel mobile and broadband users, the AI-powered system scans over 1 billion URLs daily across apps and browsers, using real-time threat intelligence to instantly block malicious links within 100 milliseconds

Bharti Airtel has reported major strides in safeguarding its customers in Mumbai from the surge in online frauds, following the deployment of its AI-driven fraud detection system. In just 50 days since its rollout, the system has protected over 2.1 million users across Maharashtra.

Integrated automatically for all Airtel mobile and broadband users, the system proactively scans and filters suspicious links shared via SMS, WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Instagram, email, and web browsers. Leveraging real-time threat intelligence, it analyzes more than 1 billion URLs every day and can block access to harmful websites in under 100 milliseconds.

Real-time shield against phishing

For instance, if a user receives a phishing message such as, “Your package is delayed. Track it here: http://www.tracky0urparcell.com,” and clicks on the link, Airtel’s system immediately intervenes. The suspicious URL is scanned in real-time, and if deemed malicious, access is blocked. Instead, the user is redirected to a warning page stating: “Blocked! Airtel found this site dangerous!”

This swift, automated interception mechanism plays a critical role in preventing users from falling prey to cyber fraud and phishing attempts, reinforcing Airtel’s commitment to digital safety.

Aditya Kankaria, CEO - Mumbai, Bharti Airtel, said, “At Airtel, customer safety is at the heart of everything we do. With the launch of our AI-powered fraud detection solution in Mumbai, we are taking a decisive step toward securing our users against evolving digital threats. This innovation is deeply embedded within our network, offering proactive protection without requiring any action from the customer’s end. As digital usage continues to grow, we are proud to lead from the front in building a secure, resilient, and trustworthy digital ecosystem for millions of users across the state.

AI defence for digital Mumbai

With Mumbai ranked as one of India’s most digitally advanced cities, the threat of online fraud has grown. Fraudsters increasingly target users through phishing links, fake deliveries and spurious banking alerts. Airtel’s solution acts as a statewide digital shield, protecting families, senior citizens, homemakers, students and first-time smartphone users alike.

The AI-driven platform delivers fraud warnings in the user’s preferred language, including Marathi, making it highly effective for the city’s diverse population. This multilingual support is especially impactful in districts with low digital literacy or where English is not widely used.

The solution operates silently in the background, requires no installation and is offered free of cost. Mumbai is at the forefront of digital adoption — from online banking to government e-services — and Airtel’s initiative plays a critical role in creating a safer digital ecosystem across the city. Whether it's a working professional, a homemaker, or a student. Airtel helps make every digital interaction safer.

In the last 50 days of the launch, Airtel has blocked more than 203,145 malicious links and shielded 123 million users across the country.