UPI safety: ten rules to protect your money

UPI has made payments easy, and it has also made life easier for scamsters. Follow these rules:

1. Never share your UPI PIN, OTP or card details with anyone, including someone claiming to be from your bank. 2. Remember that you enter your PIN only to send money, never to receive it. 3. Be suspicious of 'collect requests' from people you do not know. 4. Check the name shown before you confirm a payment. 5. Do not scan QR codes or click links sent by strangers. 6. Do not install apps at the request of a caller, especially screen-sharing apps. 7. Keep your phone and apps updated and use a screen lock. 8. Set sensible daily limits in your app. 9. Check your SMS and bank alerts for every transaction. 10. Use only official apps from the official stores.

If you are cheated, act quickly. Call the national cyber crime helpline 1930 as soon as possible, report on cybercrime.gov.in, and inform your bank. Speed improves the chance of stopping the transfer.

General information, not financial advice.