If you use UPI apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, or Paytm for payments, this news is crucial for you.
Starting from April 1, 2024, new rules have been implemented by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
According to these rules, mobile numbers that have been inactive for a long time will be removed from linked bank accounts.
This move is intended to prevent cyber fraud and ensure secure transactions.
Why Are Inactive Numbers Being Removed?
The main reason for this change is to combat rising cyber fraud. Inactive mobile numbers, if re-issued by telecom companies, can be used by fraudsters for fraudulent transactions.
These unused numbers can cause technical issues in UPI transactions and increase the risk of money being sent to the wrong account or a transaction failing.
What Happens If Your Mobile Number is Inactive?
If your mobile number is inactive or has been reassigned to someone else, you may face problems with UPI payments. Some potential issues include:
Transaction failures
Money being transferred to the wrong account
Increased risk of fraud
To avoid these issues, it is important to ensure your mobile number linked to your bank account is active.
What Should You Do Now?
If you have an old or inactive mobile number linked to your bank account, you should update it immediately. Here’s how:
Check with your telecom provider: Contact your telecom service provider (Jio, Airtel, Vi, BSNL) to confirm whether your number is still active.
If it’s closed, recharge the number or visit your bank to update the mobile number linked to your account.
Update your details with the bank: Go to your bank and get your mobile number updated in the system if needed.
NPCI has instructed banks and UPI apps to remove inactive numbers from the system regularly, and this process will be ongoing every week.
Therefore, make sure your number is up to date to avoid any disruption in UPI payments.
