Strengthening Cybersecurity – RBI’s Mandate for TRAI MNRL Technology

Fraudsters use tactics like phishing, data breaches, and account takeovers. Some criminals use deactivated phone numbers of people for financial fraud. That’s why the Reserve Bank of India has mandated TRAI MNRL Technology. This technology will help banks and financial institutions in reducing cyber fraud. Read the following blog and get all the details about this technology.

Risks Associated with Mobile Number Misuse

• SIM Swap Fraud: It occurs when fraudsters Swap a victim’s SIM Card with one another to obtain phone numbers and authentication codes. This allows them to access bank accounts or other sensitive services.
• Number Spoofing: Scammers use fake phone numbers that look similar to real numbers. It tricks people into sharing personal or financial information.
• SMS Phishing: Fraudsters send messages to people that look official. It tricks people into clicking malicious links or sharing confidential information.

How Cyber Fraud Affects Bank Customers and Financial Institutions?

Every year many innocent people lose their hard-earned money due to unauthorized transactions. These victims get frustrated and anxious. In some cases, identity theft tarnishes customer reputation with misuse of their personal information.

Cyber fraud raises questions about the trust of financial institutions. It damages the reputation of the authorized bank and NBFCs.

RBI Guidelines to Prevent Cyber Fraud Using Misused Mobile Number

Implementation of Mobile Number Revocation List (MNRL)

RBI has advised banks to use the Mobile Number Revocation list to check and clear their customer database. This list is available on the DIP (Digital Intelligence Platform) developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).

This will help banks find and remove old mobile numbers from their customer databases, preventing the misuse of old phone numbers. Banks are expected to create SOPs for keeping their mobile records accurate and up to date.

Sanchar Saarthi

Banks and financial institutions should provide the verified details of their customer care number to DIP. It will help DOT to publish these details on the Sanchar Saathi portal. This helps customers easily access authentic contact details of financial institutions, reducing the chances of failing for fraudulent customer care scams.

The verified information should be emailed to DoT at adg.diu-dot@gov.in.

Use of Special Number Series for Communication

• Transactional/Service Calls: Use numbers starting with the 1600xx series for important service-related calls.
• Promotional Calls: RE uses numbers starting with the 140xx series for marketing or promotional calls.
• Compliance with TRAI Guidelines: Follow the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) instructions for sending commercial communications via voice call or SMS. This will reduce spam and fraudulent messages.

All regulated entities are instructed to ensure compliance with the above instructions before March 31st, 2025.

What is TRAI MNRL Technology in the Banking System?

The MNRL is a system developed by the Telecom Regulatory of India in collaboration with the Department of Telecommunications (Dot) to prevent fraud caused by misuse of phone numbers.

MNRL is part of the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) and maintains a list of deactivated and revoked mobile numbers. 

How to Download MNRL List?

Banks and regulated entities can follow these steps to download the TRAI MNRL List.

• Visit trai.gov.in
• Enter the required credentials such as email ID and Phone number.
• Download the phone number list.
• Check the phone number and cross verify with the customer database and take the necessary steps.

How Does MNRL Help Prevent Fraudulent Transactions?

Money mules usually use deactivated or fraudulent mobile numbers for financial fraud. Here is how MNRL helps in preventing fraud:

• Banks and financial institutions can identify potentially compromised accounts with regular verification of phone numbers with MNRL database.
• Usually, money mules use multiple accounts linked to different mobile numbers. With MNRL list banks and financial institutions can easily find and invalidate these numbers. It will make it difficult for fraudsters to maintain networks.
• A flagged phone number will indicate suspicion to banks. It alerts for verification which it harder for fraudsters to work seamlessly.
• The use of 1600xx for transactional calls and 140xx for promotional calls will prevent fraud.

Benefits of Implementing MNRL in Banking

• Enhanced Fraud Risk Monitoring: MNRL allows banks and financial institutions to identify deactivated or reassigned mobile numbers. This will reduce the chances of unauthorized transactions with thorough monitoring.
• Improved Customer Data Security: MNRL allows you to maintain up-to-date customer contact information, reducing the chances of identity theft and unauthorized access to banking accounts.
• Reduction in Money Mule: Money Mule often uses temporary or fraudulent mobile numbers for illegal financial activities. Banks can easily identify and block such numbers. It will minimize their misuse of fraudulent transfers.

Conclusion

With the rise of cyber fraud, it is crucial to take strong steps to protect banks and customers. The Reserve Bank of India mandates the use of TRAI’s MNRL technology. This technology will help banks and financial institutions block and misuse mobile numbers, preventing fraudulent transactions, identity theft, and money mules.

FAQs

What is the MNRL List?

MNRL is a list of permanently disconnected mobile numbers. Telecom companies update this list every month and share it on the TRAI website for public access.

How to Download MNRL?

Follow these simple steps.

• Visit the TRAI website.
• Enter your phone number and email ID.
• Download MNRL.

What is the deadline for banks to comply with RBI guidelines for MNRL?

March 31, 2025, is the last date for banks and financial institutions to comply with MNRL guidelines.

What are transactional and promotional call series under TRAI MNRL guidelines?

• Transactional/Service Call: Numbers starting with 1600xx series for service-related calls.
• Promotional Calls: Numbers starting with the 140xx series for marketing communications.