Digital payments, UPI apps, and mobile banking have made money management effortless. They have also shifted responsibility quietly onto users. Banks secure their systems, but the final layer of defence is your phone, your SIM, and your habits. The good news is that you do not need technical expertise to stay safer. You just need a routine.
Start with your UPI PIN habits
The first check is simple and often ignored. When did you last change your UPI PIN? If the answer is “I don’t remember”, it is time. Changing your PIN periodically reduces risk, especially if you have shared your phone, entered the PIN in public, or clicked suspicious links.
Never reuse the same PIN across multiple apps or link it to obvious numbers like birth dates. Also check where your UPI is enabled. Many people forget old apps they no longer use still have UPI access. Disable UPI on apps you do not actively use.
Do a quick device hygiene sweep
Your phone is effectively your wallet. In your monthly audit, check for apps you do not recognise or no longer need. Remove them. Pay special attention to apps that ask for SMS, call, or accessibility permissions. These are often abused by fraudsters.
Update your phone’s operating system and banking apps. Updates are not cosmetic. They often patch known security holes. If your phone is no longer receiving updates, treat it as a risk signal, especially if it is your primary banking device.
Also review basic lock settings. Use a strong screen lock, disable lock-screen message previews for OTPs, and avoid using rooted or jailbroken devices for financial apps.
Watch for SIM swap red flags
SIM swap fraud is rising because it bypasses OTP-based security. Your monthly check should include a quick look for warning signs. Sudden loss of network, calls going straight to voicemail, or messages saying your number has been deactivated should never be ignored.
Confirm that your mobile number linked to bank accounts and UPI apps is current and under your control. If you travel frequently or use dual SIMs, double-check which number is registered where. Consider setting up alerts with your telecom provider for SIM change requests, if available.
Lock down account and alert settings
Spend a few minutes inside your banking apps. Check daily transaction limits for UPI and net banking. If they are higher than what you realistically need, reduce them. Lower limits cap damage if something goes wrong.
Ensure SMS and app alerts are enabled for debits, credits, and login attempts. These alerts are often the first sign of unauthorised activity. Also review nominee details and contact information so the bank can reach you quickly if needed.
Finally, scan your recent transactions. Even small unfamiliar debits matter. Fraud often starts small to test whether an account is monitored.
Make it a habit, not a reaction The biggest advantage of a monthly audit is psychological. You move from reacting to fraud to preventing it. Set a recurring calendar reminder. Treat it like checking smoke alarms. Most months, nothing will be wrong. The one month it is, you will catch it early.
FAQs
How often should I change my UPI PIN?
At least once every few months, or immediately if you suspect your phone or PIN may have been compromised.
Is antivirus software necessary on smartphones?
It is less important than app discipline and updates. Avoid unknown apps, review permissions, and keep your device updated. That does more than most antivirus tools.
What should I do if I suspect a SIM swap?
Contact your telecom provider and bank immediately. Block UPI and net banking access first, then investigate. Speed matters more than certainty in these cases.
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