The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is at the forefront of driving innovation and facilitating India’s digital payment revolution. The organisation has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing consumer safety in digital payments by promoting the ‘Stop, Think, Act’ principle.
As digital transactions continue to increase, NPCI emphasises the importance of users remaining vigilant and adopting best practices to protect themselves against fraud.
Growing Adoption of UPI and the Need for Digital Safety
The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has emerged as a key driver of digital transactions in India, accounting for 83% of the total payment volume in the calendar year 2024. In June 2025, UPI processed 18.40 billion transactions, reflecting a 32% year-on-year growth in volume and a 20% year-on-year increase in transaction value. Over the past five years, UPI adoption has skyrocketed at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 74%, making it the largest retail payment system by transaction volume. Since its inception, UPI has onboarded over 460 million unique users, enabling digital transactions across various sectors.
NPCI’s Multi-Layered Security Framework
UPI is notable not only for its convenience but also for its robust security framework, which ensures the integrity of every transaction. NPCI utilises advanced protocols and stringent safeguards, including device binding. This feature links a user’s account to a specific mobile device, ensuring that unauthorised access is prevented without the registered device. Additionally, UPI employs two-factor authentication, requiring users to verify their identity using their mobile number and UPI PIN before authorising any transaction.
Viswanath Krishnamurthy, Chief Risk Officer of NPCI, stated, “Social engineering is when fraudsters exploit human tendencies such as greed, fear, and ignorance to deceive users. They manipulate individuals into authorising seemingly legitimate transactions that are actually intended to defraud them. However, it is crucial to use digital payments safely and to be wary of online scams. Early identification of potential scams protects you and your loved ones, fostering a safer, less cash-dependent economy for everyone.”
Consumer Advisory: How to Stay Safe
While UPI includes robust security features, fraudsters still exploit social engineering tactics. Consumers must remain cautious regarding scams.
NPCI advises all UPI users to adhere to the ‘Stop, Think, Act’ principle:
STOP before responding to unexpected calls, messages, or emails requesting personal or banking details.
THINK and verify such requests by checking official sources like company websites or customer service helplines.
ACT wisely by avoiding suspicious requests and promptly reporting any fraud attempts to the relevant authorities.
How to Report Fraud
Users who suspect fraud should report incidents immediately. Suspicious cases can be reported to the national cybercrime helpline at 1930 or through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (https://cybercrime.gov.in). Users should also inform their bank about the incident. Additionally, retaining messages, taking screenshots, and documenting interactions can aid authorities in taking action.
By staying informed and alert, users can enjoy the convenience of digital payments while keeping their finances secure. UPI is committed to ensuring a safe and seamless digital payment experience for everyone across India.
