In recent developments, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has issued directives aimed at bolstering the security of UPI transactions. The guidelines instruct all banks and third-party apps, including PSPs like PhonePe, to verify UPI IDs and associated mobile numbers of inactive users. UPI IDs with no credit or debit activity for a year will face deactivation, restricting transactions from the upcoming year.

To implement these guidelines, NPCI has granted banks and third-party apps until December 31 to identify and deactivate such UPI IDs. The motive behind these new measures is to prevent the inadvertent transfer of funds to the wrong person and curb misuse of these IDs, addressing recent incidents of fraudulent transactions.

Users often face challenges when changing their mobile numbers, inadvertently forgetting to deactivate the UPI ID linked to the old number. The prolonged inactivity of the number poses a risk, as the old UPI ID remains associated with it. This situation heightens the potential for unauthorized transactions, emphasizing the importance of promptly updating UPI IDs when changing mobile numbers.

For users, it’s imperative to take proactive measures. Banks are notifying users via email or messages before deactivating UPI IDs, providing an opportunity to reactivate them. This not only enhances security but also mitigates the risk of unauthorized transactions.

Adhering to NPCI’s guidelines ensures that your UPI transactions remain secure and free from the threat of wrongful use. As we approach the December 31 deadline, it is strongly advised to verify and activate your UPI ID promptly. Stay ahead of the curve and safeguard your digital transactions.