Why in the news
The Reserve Bank started a student-focused drive in Kerala that blends financial literacy with a reel contest, to build vigilance against online money scams.
Key facts
- Reach: about 150 colleges across Kerala.
- Inauguration: 16 June 2026, RBI Office, Thiruvananthapuram, by Kerala DGP Ravada Chandrasekhar.
- Themes: financial literacy, cyber hygiene, safe digital banking and smart borrowing.
| Phase | Content |
|---|
| 1 – Awareness sessions | Financial literacy, safe digital habits and smart borrowing in colleges |
| 2 – Reel-making competition | Student videos on illegal loan apps, mule accounts, cyber frauds and cyber hygiene; several evaluation rounds |
| 3 – Grand finale | Later in 2026; best entries shown on social media by RBI, Kerala Police, banks, colleges and partners |
| Position | Prize |
|---|
| First | ₹75,000 |
| Second | ₹50,000 |
| Third | ₹25,000 |
Frauds covered
- Investment scams promising high returns.
- Digital arrest scams, where scammers pose as law enforcers.
- Illegal loan apps and fake job offers.
- Phishing attacks that steal credentials.
- Mule account networks that move or hide illicit funds.
Exam angle
- Launched by RBI, not SEBI; inaugurated by the state DGP, not the Chief Minister.
- Cyber fraud helpline: 1930; reporting portal: cybercrime.gov.in; I4C works under the Home Ministry.
- CERT-In stands for Computer Emergency Response Team – India.