Online payments have become increasingly common, with most people in the country now using UPI for transactions. While this has made financial transactions more convenient, it has also led to a rise in cybercrime. Cybercriminals are exploiting loopholes to defraud people and gain unauthorized access to bank accounts.
To enhance security and streamline operations, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has announced new rules, which will take effect from April 1, 2025. Here’s what you need to know.
New UPI Rules Effective from April 1, 2025
NPCI has introduced changes that will impact users of UPI, Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm. According to the new guidelines, mobile numbers linked to UPI accounts that have been inactive for a long time will be removed from the bank account records.
If your UPI-linked mobile number has not been in use for an extended period, it may be deactivated from your bank account, leading to the suspension of your UPI services.
Why Is This Change Being Made?
According to NPCI, long-inactive mobile numbers linked to bank accounts are creating technical issues within the banking and UPI system. Moreover, if a telecom provider reassigns an old number to a new user, it increases the risk of fraud, as unauthorized individuals may gain access to sensitive banking details.
What Should You Do?
- Check if your UPI-linked mobile number is active: If you have a mobile number linked to your bank account that hasn’t been used for a long time, activate it as soon as possible.
- Update your mobile number with your bank: If your old number is inactive, update your bank records with your new mobile number to ensure uninterrupted UPI services.
- By taking these steps, you can avoid disruptions in your digital transactions and safeguard your bank account from potential fraud.