Summary of this article
UPI records 24,162 crore transactions worth Rs 314 lakh crore
Digital payments rise across urban and rural users steadily
Users advised basic precautions to avoid fraud and scams
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) hit a new peak in FY26, recording 241.62 billion transactions with a total value of Rs 314 lakh crore. The growth is an indication of growing acceptance of instant payment system in cities and small towns across India.
Ease of use, quick transfer of funds, and more access to smart phones are some of the factors that have led to this growth. Over the past few years, UPI has become significant in daily financial transactions, in both tier-1 and tier-2 cities, involving retail transactions and large transactions alike.
As its usage increases, risks linked to digital fraud have also increased. Both the government and payment gateways recommend users to exercise simple safety measures when using UPI services.
Do Not Disclose Confidential Information
Users should ensure that their UPI PIN is confidential. Sharing PINs, OTPs, or card information may expose their accounts to fraud. In most cases, fraudsters pretend to be employees of a bank or the customer support staff while gathering information from unsuspecting users. As such, users should handle confidential financial information with care.
Check Payments Requests With Caution
UPI allows users to receive and send payment requests. Before approving a collect request, it is important to check the sender’s identity. Fraudsters often send misleading requests, which if accepted, leads to transfer of money from the user’s account. This risk can be minimised by checking the information prior to authorisation.
Use Authorised Applications
Transactions must be done through trusted and recognised UPI applications. Using unofficial links or unknown sources to download apps can expose users to risk of malware or data theft. The safest way to instal apps is through official app stores, which have verification measures on the apps listed.
Track Transactions Regularly
Monitoring account activity helps in catching unauthorised transactions at the earliest. Users should ensure to keep their registered mobile number and email address updated. Notifications about all transactions may serve as a kind of early warning and allow users to respond faster in case of any suspicious activity.
Don't Make Transactions On Public Network
Open/public Wi-Fi networks are unsafe and can expose personal financial information to scammers. Making transactions using such networks can increase the risk of fraud. It is generally safer to use personal mobile data or a secure private network to make digital payments.
Reporting Fraud Cases
In case of a suspected fraud or unauthorised transaction, immediately inform the authorities. Complaints can be registered on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or by calling the helpline number 1930. Early reporting increases the likelihood of tracking transactions and reducing losses.
