The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has announced a significant change set to affect digital payment users.
Beginning April 1, 2025, UPI IDs linked to inactive mobile numbers will be delinked, potentially disrupting services for individuals relying on platforms like Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm.
This move is designed to address cybersecurity concerns and technical issues arising from dormant numbers in the banking system. It also aims to prevent fraud, as reassigned mobile numbers linked to outdated bank accounts pose risks of unauthorized access.
Key Implications for Users:
- Users with inactive or reallocated mobile numbers risk losing access to UPI services.
- Those who have changed their mobile numbers without updating bank records will also be impacted.
- Abandoned or dormant SIM cards linked to bank accounts may result in suspended services.
Steps to Avoid Disruption: To ensure uninterrupted access to UPI services, users are advised to:
- Verify that their registered mobile number with their bank is active.
- Update their bank records with any changes in mobile numbers before April 1.
- Reactivate any dormant bank accounts associated with older numbers.
This proactive measure comes in response to the growing threat of cyber fraud and operational errors in the UPI ecosystem, ensuring a more secure and efficient system for all users.
