These days most of our transactions are done through the UPI app. Although contactless Unified Payment Interface (UPI) payments are secure and convenient, there are still some safety measures that you must follow to ensure there are no hassles. Although these safety tips are simple, we should not be complacent and skip any of them. Let’s discuss seven safety tips that can make our transactions through the UPI payment app fully secured and hassle-free.
7 Safety Tips for UPI App Transaction
1. Always Have a Screen Lock in Place
Although a screen lock is used to maintain your smartphone’s safety and privacy, it is also useful to ensure an unauthorized person doesn’t get access to the UPI app. For iPhone users, there is a face unlock feature, and hence it’s fully safe. But android users must lock their screens through PIN, pattern, or fingerprint.
2. Never Share Your UPI PIN with Anyone
Every UPI payment app requires the use of a PIN set by the user. It is imperative that you never disclose the PIN to anyone at any cost. It is also advised never to write down the UPI PIN on paper or save it on your mobile phone. While making transactions, you have to ensure no one nearby takes a peak as they might get to know the PIN. At any point, if you feel the UPI app PIN is compromised, change it immediately to avoid any security breach.
3. Avoid Using Multiple UPI Apps
Although using multiple UPI apps doesn’t cause any harm, it is advised not to use more than 2 apps. Performing transactions in multiple UPI payment apps can create confusion like remembering PIN, tracking payments, and managing multiple accounts. On the other hand, if we restrict ourselves to one or two UPI applications, it will be easy to manage payments, and also maximum safety can be ensured.
4. Don’t Get Trapped by Scammers and Click any Link
There are countless scammers who trap innocent UPI payment app users who are technically challenged. If you click on the link sent by them, then they will ask for UPI PIN input, and the moment it is done, the money will be transferred to the scammer’s account. Currently, these scammers are trending, and hence we have to use the safety precautions and never click on any unauthorized link.
5. Update the UPI App Whenever Available
Although most UPI payment apps have an automatic update option, there is no harm in checking the settings and ensuring the app is up to date. An update will make the UPI app more secure as the bugs, and other issues will be fixed. Also, if any new feature or other add-ons are developed, an update will ensure they are correctly installed. Sometimes if the app is not up to date, payments might get stuck or fail. Hence it is crucial to keep UPI apps up to date.
6. Use UPI ID Instead of Mobile Number if Possible
When transferring money to a recipient through a UPI app, it is advised to perform the transaction through the recipient’s UPI Id or QR code. Using the mobile number can lead to issues like mistyping the number and sending money to the wrong account. Also, send Rs. 1 or 2 to the receipt id to confirm the account before sending a higher amount.
7. Ensure Screen Sharing and Recording are Disabled
The UPI app access should not be granted to screen sharing and recording programs. It is because unverified applications can lead to data leaks or breaches, putting your UPI PIN and OTP at risk. While using screen recording, you should turn off blanket access by going into the settings.
UPI app is among the best contactless payment methods that are safe and secure for the most part scan code. However, only complacency and negligence from users can lead to data and security breaches. The seven tips above will provide the best protection to UPI payment app transactions if they are followed strictly and diligently.
