Unified Payment Interface (UPI) has revolutionised the way we carry out monetary transactions in India. It is quick, convenient, and a secure way of making payments directly from your bank account or wallet to the recipient. With UPI, you can transfer funds, pay bills, and make online purchases without the need for cash or card transactions.
However, as with any online transaction, it is important to take precautions to keep your money safe. Here are some tips to ensure safe UPI payments.
Secure Your UPI PIN: Your UPI personal identification number (PIN) is the key to your bank account. So, it is important to keep it safe and secure. Avoid using easy-to-guess numbers or PINs that are the same as your phone number or date of birth. Also, never share your UPI PIN with anyone, including your friends or family members. Set a strong and unique PIN that that only you can remember, and change it frequently.
Verify The Recipient’s Details: Before making a UPI payment, always verify the recipient’s details carefully. Make sure that you have entered the correct mobile number or UPI ID of the person you are sending the money to. If you are unsure, use the ‘Verify Payment Address’ feature available on most UPI apps to confirm the recipient’s identity. This will help prevent accidental or fraudulent transactions.
Use A Trusted UPI App: There are several UPI apps available in the market, but not all of them may be safe and secure.
Says Ritesh Bhatia, V4WEB Cybersecurity, cybercrime investigations, and digital forensics firm: “Make sure that you download and use a UPI app from a trusted source, such as your bank or a reputable third-party app provider. Also, keep your UPI app updated with the latest version to ensure that you have the latest security features and bug fixes.”
Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi networks are not secure and can be hacked easily. So, avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for making UPI transactions, as it can compromise your personal and financial information. Instead, use a secure and trusted network, such as your home Wi-Fi or mobile data connection.
UPI payments are a convenient and safe way of making digital transactions, but it is important to take precautions to keep your money safe. By following these tips, you can ensure that your UPI transactions are secure and free from any fraudulent activities. Remember to be always vigilant and cautious while making UPI payments.
