Bharti Airtel has officially announced the launch of its groundbreaking AI-powered solution to combat the growing threat of OTP-related banking frauds. The innovative Fraud Alert system represents a significant advancement in network-level security, designed to protect customers from sophisticated scamming tactics that exploit the urgency associated with One-Time Passwords. The announcement was made through an official press release dated February 11, 2026.

AI-Powered Real-Time Protection

The new system operates autonomously at the network level, using artificial intelligence to identify potentially risky situations involving banking OTPs. When fraudsters attempt to exploit customers during phone calls by requesting banking transaction OTPs, Airtel's technology intervenes with real-time fraud alerts.

How the System Works

The technology addresses a critical vulnerability where fraudsters exploit the urgency often associated with OTPs for everyday services like deliveries. These criminals dupe customers into sharing banking-transaction OTPs during phone calls, exposing their account savings to fraud risk. Airtel's AI-powered system detects when a bank OTP is requested during a potentially risky incoming call and immediately warns the customer about the potential risk of consenting to banking transaction OTP delivery while still on the call.

Leadership Commentary

Shashwat Sharma, Managing Director & CEO Airtel, India, emphasized the company's commitment to network security: "We are on a mission to make Airtel the safe network. While working towards this, we have realised that despite the foundational role played by One-Time Passwords (OTPs) in securing digital transactions, their efficacy is frequently being undermined by criminal tactics."

Sharma highlighted the solution's effectiveness: "Our newly developed, AI-powered, autonomous solution operates proactively at network level and is engineered to detect and intervene against fraudulent activity in real-time. Extensive trials have demonstrated a remarkable level of accuracy and impact in preventing the menace of such scams."

Building on Previous Security Initiatives

This launch builds upon Airtel's comprehensive approach to fraud prevention implemented over the past two years. The company has previously rolled out several AI-powered, technology-led safeguards including spam call warnings and malicious link-blocking capabilities to stop frauds at the source. While these measures have significantly reduced fraud on Airtel's network, the company recognized that fraudsters continue to exploit human vulnerabilities through impersonation and social engineering tactics, prompting the development of this advanced OTP protection system.

Rollout Strategy and Implementation

The Fraud Alert system is currently operational in Haryana, where it has undergone extensive testing. Airtel plans to expand this protection to its entire customer base within the next two weeks, ensuring comprehensive coverage across its network. This rapid deployment timeline demonstrates the company's commitment to providing immediate protection against evolving fraud tactics.

The combination of AI-driven intelligence and human judgment gives customers the crucial time needed to think, verify, and maintain control of their security, effectively closing the gap that scammers typically exploit in OTP-related frauds.

Bharti Airtel management has disclosed during a recent conference call that the company has been actively seeking clarity from regulatory authorities regarding the Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) dues case. The telecom operator has sent multiple letters to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) as part of its ongoing engagement with the regulatory body.

Regulatory Engagement Details

The company's management confirmed that multiple correspondence has been initiated with the DoT to obtain clarity on various aspects of the AGR dues case. This proactive approach demonstrates the company's commitment to ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements while seeking necessary clarifications on implementation aspects.

Current Status

As of the conference call, Bharti Airtel is awaiting an official response from the Department of Telecommunications regarding the queries raised in their letters. The company appears to be taking a measured approach by maintaining regular communication with the regulatory authority to address any outstanding concerns or clarifications needed regarding the AGR dues matter.

The AGR dues case has been a significant regulatory matter affecting the Indian telecommunications sector, and telecom operators continue to engage with authorities to ensure proper understanding and compliance with the established framework.