The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has launched a public awareness initiative urging digital payment users to remain vigilant against text message scams, warning that fraudsters increasingly rely on social engineering tactics to steal money and sensitive information. NPCI said fake SMS messages often create a sense of urgency, fear or curiosity to pressure users into making hasty decisions. These messages typically impersonate banks, government agencies, telecom operators, delivery companies or other trusted organisations to appear genuine. According to NPCI, scammers generally attempt to lure victims into clicking fraudulent links, calling fake customer care numbers, downloading malicious apps, sharing confidential details such as OTPs, UPI PINs and passwords, or transferring money based on misleading payment alerts.
To safeguard users, NPCI advised people to carefully read every message before taking action, verify requests through official websites or customer care channels, download apps only from authorised app stores, avoid clicking suspicious links, and regularly check bank account statements to confirm transactions. It also recommended reviewing app permissions carefully and sharing only essential access.
The organisation further urged users to preserve evidence such as screenshots and suspicious messages and report fraudulent numbers through the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or the Department of Telecommunications’ Sanchar Saathi platform. NPCI, established by the Reserve Bank of India and the Indian Banks’ Association, operates India’s retail payment infrastructure and has driven digital payments through platforms including UPI, RuPay, IMPS, NACH, AePS and e-RUPI, strengthening financial inclusion across the country.
