Major Security Step Amid Rising Cyber Threats

In response to increasing online fraud, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has rolled out a significant update to the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system, effective today. The widely used P2P “Collect Request” or Pull Transaction feature has been permanently removed from popular apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm to stop fraudsters from exploiting unsuspecting users.

End of Easy Exploitation

Earlier, scammers could quickly send payment requests disguised as friends or merchants, tricking victims into approving them. Once accepted, victims’ bank accounts could be drained instantly. NPCI said in its directive, “This change ensures every transaction is initiated by the sender, making UPI safer and fraud-resistant.”

Push Transactions Take Centre Stage

With the removal of pull requests, Push Transactions will now be the only way to send money. Users can still easily transfer funds via UPI ID, QR codes, or bank account details. This update does not affect bill payments or regular transfers between friends. Experts, however, advise caution: “Always double-check before approving any prompt you don’t recognise.”

Banks and Users to Adapt Quickly

Banks have been instructed to immediately update their systems for a smooth transition. While some users may miss the convenience of splitting bills or quick collections, the move prioritises security over ease. With over 120 million UPI users, the change marks a big step in strengthening India’s digital payment ecosystem.

Caution Over Convenience

As the nation celebrates Vijayadashami, this update is seen as symbolic—a triumph of caution over convenience in the ongoing battle against digital fraud. Though small adjustments may be needed, the reform ensures a more secure, trustworthy, and resilient UPI framework for the future.

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