UPI services to be disabled on these mobile numbers from April 1 | Check Details
PTC Web Desk: Starting April 1, UPI services will be discontinued for mobile numbers that are inactive or reassigned. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has instructed banks and payment service providers (PSPs) to delink such numbers to prevent fraud and unauthorised transactions. Users must ensure their registered mobile numbers remain active to continue using UPI services.
Why is this change being implemented?
Inactive mobile numbers linked to UPI accounts pose a major security risk. Many users fail to update their mobile number when changing or deactivating it, leaving their UPI accounts vulnerable to misuse. If a number is reassigned to someone else, fraudsters could gain unauthorised access to financial transactions. To address this concern, banks and digital payment platforms such as Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm will now remove inactive numbers from the UPI network as per NPCI’s mandate.
How banks will enforce this rule
Banks and PSPs will routinely identify and remove inactive or reassigned mobile numbers from the UPI system
Affected users will receive prior notifications before their UPI services are suspended
If a mobile number remains inactive despite multiple warnings, it will be delinked from UPI to prevent fraudulent activity
Users can regain access to UPI by updating their mobile number before the deadline
Who will be impacted?
This change will affect individuals in the following categories:
Users who have changed their mobile number but haven’t updated it with their bank
Users whose mobile number has been inactive for a long time and isn’t used for calls, SMS, or banking alerts
Users who surrendered their number without informing their bank
Users whose old number has been reassigned to someone else
Steps to keep your UPI active
Ensure your mobile number is in use by making a call or sending a message
Check if you’re receiving SMS alerts and OTPs from your bank
Update your registered mobile number through net banking, UPI apps, ATMs, or by visiting your bank branch
Your mobile number is crucial for UPI transactions as it is linked to your bank for OTP verification. If your number becomes inactive and is reassigned, it could lead to failed transactions or, worse, financial fraud.
To avoid losing access to UPI payments, update your mobile number with your bank before April 1, 2025.
- With inputs from agencies
