The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has announced a key directive set to impact thousands of users. Effective April 1, 2025, UPI services will be discontinued for specific mobile numbers flagged as inactive or unverified. This move is part of NPCI’s initiative to enhance security and safeguard users against potential fraud. Banks and payment service providers have been directed to review their records and inform customers accordingly. Users are advised to ensure their registered mobile numbers and account details are current to avoid service disruptions.
UPI Access Changes:
As per NPCI guidelines, UPI services will be deactivated for the following categories: mobile numbers not linked to any active bank account, numbers that have was left inactive for long periods or have been discontinued, and numbers that have been recycled and reassigned by telecom operators to new users. This measure is designed to prevent situations where previously linked mobile numbers end up with new users, potentially leading to fraudulent activities or unauthorized transactions.
UPI Safety: Update Now:
Most of the users change or remove their mobile numbers without removing them from the banking and other UPI profiles. These numbers are recently delegated by telecom providers to new users. If new numbers are not updated, this presents a significant security risk, as the new user could gain access to the original account holder’s UPI-linked banking details, potentially resulting in unauthorized transactions or financial fraud.
Inactive? UPI Lock Ahead:
If you’ve recently changed your mobile number without updating it in your bank and UPI records, you could be affected by this directive. Users who haven’t used their UPI account or linked number for a long period may also face relocated. To assist in this process, telecom providers have shared lists of discontinued and recycled numbers with banks and payment platforms, enabling them to proactively identify and mitigate risks by disabling suspicious accounts.
UPI Lockout? Here’s How to Avoid It:
- Update Your Mobile Number:
- If you’ve changed your number, update it with your bank and on your UPI app immediately.
- Re-link Bank Accounts:
- Ensure your current active number is linked to your bank account and UPI platforms like Google Pay, Phonepe, Paytm, and BHIM.
- Check Activity:
- Make a small transaction or verify your profile to ensure your number and bank account are linked and active.
- Deregister Old Numbers:
- If you no longer use a number, ensure you deregister it from your bank and UPI apps.
Deadline: Starting April 1, UPI transactions from old or inactive mobile numbers will no longer work. Attempting to make payments from such numbers will result in transaction failures, and you may lose access to your Virtual Payment Address (VPA). This initiative by NPCI is a significant step toward strengthening security within India’s rapidly expanding digital payments ecosystem. We strongly recommend that you review and update the mobile numbers linked to your UPI accounts to ensure uninterrupted and secure access.