If you make frequent payments using UPI, read these smart tips to ensure your money is 100% safe.

There's no need to carry cash anymore, as UPI has made payments easy, fast, and secure. But the ease with which we transfer money is increasing, and the cases of UPI fraud are also increasing at an alarming rate.

In today's digital age, we do everything from our mobile phones, whether it's paying the vegetable vendor, sharing bills with friends, or shopping online. There's no need to carry cash anymore, as UPI has made payments easy, fast, and secure. But the ease with which we transfer money is increasing, and the cases of UPI fraud are also increasing at an alarming rate.

Many people, in a hurry, click on links or scan QR codes, which empty their bank accounts. Cyber ​​fraudsters have become so clever that they pose as bank officials, app support staff, or government agents to extract people's OTPs or UPI PINs. In light of this threat, the RBI recently issued new guidelines to protect users from such frauds. If you use UPI daily, you should know these smart tips. By adopting them, you can remain 100% safe.

1. Stay away from unknown links or QR codes - Most frauds are perpetrated through phishing links and fake QR codes. Scammers send you links promising refunds, rewards, or cashbacks. As soon as you click on them or scan the QR code, they access your bank details. The RBI has clearly stated that if you want to receive money, you don't need to scan or click anything. No genuine company or bank will ask you to scan a QR code to send money.

2. Never share your UPI PIN or OTP with anyone - this is a common and dangerous mistake. Producers call and claim they're from a bank, Paytm, or PhonePe, claiming to verify your account. Simply provide your OTP or PIN. Remember, a UPI PIN is only for sending money, not for receiving it. No bank, app, or company ever asks for an OTP, PIN, or password. If someone asks you to enter your PIN to receive money, you're likely a fraud.

3. Use only official UPI apps - Fake UPI apps are available on the Play Store and websites, seemingly looking like the original. These apps can steal your login details and bank data. Therefore, always check the developer's name before downloading an app. Install apps only from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Read the app's permission requests carefully when installing. If an app offers instant cashback or double money, it's almost certain to be a fraud.

4. Double-check the receiver's name before sending money - Often, fraudsters use a name that sounds like a friend or a brand name. As soon as you send money to the wrong ID, they disappear immediately. Therefore, double-check the receiver's name and UPI ID before every transaction. If the name on GPay, Paytm, or PhonePe looks strange or unrecognizable, cancel the transaction immediately.

5. Report fraud immediately - If you accidentally become a victim of UPI fraud, instead of panicking, take immediate action. According to new RBI guidelines, banks are now required to report such cases within 24 hours. Call your bank's customer care number and contact 1930, the National Cyber ​​Helpline, immediately. Alternatively, file a complaint online at https://cybercrime.gov.in/.