How to make sure your Online Transactions are Safe.

While there has been a considerable rise in internet transactions during the shutdown, there have also been multiple instances of people losing money to fraud. The most typical ones happen when you see a phone number in an advertising that you assume belongs to a local business, a courier service, an employment agency, etc., and you contact it. You might also be using a social network or internet search tool to get your bank's customer service number. The individual on the other end of the line requests a Rs 5 test transfer from a UPI app. You do so, but the transaction is unsuccessful. After then, the ostensible seller/service provider offers to do it for you. He requests that you give your OTP, after which the funds will be sent. However, after you share the OTP, larger sums are removed from your account in a matter of minutes. It might be a single large transaction followed by a series of smaller purchases. You've already lost a lot of money by the time you realise what's going on. While rushing about to register a police report, you discover that the phone number you dialed is no longer in operation. And the store/agency who placed the ad claims it never done so.

Don't discuss internet transactions with strangers:

Engagement through any channel – phone calls, messaging, or social media – is one of the simplest methods for scammers to target you. When it comes to campaigns that promise big discounts or great bargains in return for personal financial information, be very cautious.

Never give out your OTP to anyone:

OTPs are sent by banks to assist verify transactions. Your OTP will never be requested by a bank or a bank staff. So, if you receive a communication, even if it appears to be from your 'bank,' be aware that it is a scam. Never give out your financial information, login credentials, or OTP to anybody over the phone or over text message, and never on a shared network computer or device.

Don't click on Web links that you don't recognise:

Customers are tricked into clicking on bogus links by fraudsters, who then get access to their accounts. Because of this, you should never click on a random link or proceed with a transaction that was not started by you. There are no fees associated with receiving money via UPI, and any site saying otherwise is a scam.

Unknown applications should be avoided:

Fake UPI applications and remote desktop sharing apps are occasionally found in the Play Store and App Store, despite their best efforts to remove them. Keep them off your phone. Only use banking applications that have been approved by the Federal Reserve. The app's name may be found on the bank's website. Before installing an app, make sure it has a large number of downloads and good ratings.

Only use the official customer care  lines to report problems:

Always contact the support team of your bank or UPI app if you have any issues with a transaction. If you have any worries that the call is bogus, hang up and call the customer care instead. Always call the customer service number listed on your bank's official website to get help. Private phone calls should not be accepted by you.