Habit 1: Never Enter a PIN to Receive Money
This is the golden rule of UPI safety. Fraudsters often send fake payment requests disguised as cashback or refunds. They create a sense of urgency, hoping you'll approve the request and enter your PIN. Remember, your UPI PIN is only required for sending
money, not for receiving it. If someone asks you to enter your PIN or scan a QR code to receive a payment, it is a scam. Always reject unexpected payment requests from unknown sources.
Habit 2: Adopt a Zero-Trust Policy for Links and Calls
Phishing remains one of the most common fraud tactics. Scammers send messages via SMS or social media with links that lead to fake websites designed to steal your PIN and other details. They may also call, impersonating bank employees or customer service executives, to trick you into revealing sensitive information. Banks and official payment apps will never call to ask for your PIN or OTP. Treat any unsolicited request for financial details with immediate suspicion and do not click on unverified links.
Habit 3: Verify Every Detail Before You Pay
Before you enter your PIN to complete a transaction, pause and verify all the details on the confirmation screen. Check the recipient's name and UPI ID carefully. Scammers often use UPI IDs that look very similar to legitimate ones. Whether you are scanning a QR code or entering a mobile number, confirming that the name displayed matches the intended recipient is a simple check that can prevent a costly mistake. Don't rely solely on a screenshot from the sender as proof of payment; always confirm the credit in your own bank account or UPI app.
Habit 4: Say No to Remote Access Apps
A particularly dangerous scam involves tricking you into installing screen-sharing or remote access applications. Posing as a support agent trying to “fix an issue,” a fraudster will guide you to download an app that gives them complete control over your device. Once they have access, they can watch you enter your PIN or control your banking apps directly to transfer funds out of your account. Never install any application at the request of an unknown caller or grant screen-sharing access during financial transactions.
Habit 5: Conduct Regular Security Check-Ups
Make it a habit to regularly review your transaction history in your UPI app and bank statements. Spotting a small, unauthorised transaction early can help you prevent a larger fraud. Also, consider setting daily transaction limits on your UPI app to minimise potential losses if your account is ever compromised. It's also wise to use a separate bank account with a limited balance for daily UPI transactions, keeping your main savings account unlinked from most apps. Finally, always keep your UPI apps updated to ensure you have the latest security patches.
Habit 6: Treat Your Phone Like a Digital Vault
Your smartphone is no longer just a communication device; it's connected to your bank account. Protect it accordingly. Use a strong screen lock and enable biometric security like fingerprint or face unlock for your payment apps. Avoid using public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks for financial transactions, as hackers can intercept data on these networks. Never save your PIN or other confidential details in your phone's notes or messages. A secure device is the foundation of secure payments.
