PhonePe New Feature: In this era of digital payments, a new fraud method is emerging every minute. Frauds involving UPI transactions and QR codes have risen sharply, especially in recent years. To address this challenge, PhonePe has launched a new security feature called “PhonePe Protect.” This tool aims to protect users from fraud and warn them before sending money to the wrong number, thereby reducing the incidence of online fraud.

How PhonePe Protect Works

PhonePe Protect’s working process is highly effective. As soon as a user initiates a transaction, PhonePe’s technology checks the number against the Department of Telecommunications’ (DoT) Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI) database. If the number falls under the “Very High FRI” category, the app automatically blocks the payment and displays a message on the user’s screen, “PhonePe Protect Transaction Blocked.”

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If the number falls into the “Medium FRI” category, the app displays a warning message, such as “This number has been previously seen in fraudulent transactions. Do you wish to proceed?” The user can use their discretion to proceed with the transaction. Furthermore, the app also informs the user about the reason for the transfer, so they can understand why the payment was blocked.

Why is PhonePe Protect important?

Transactions through UPI (Unified Payments Interface) have grown rapidly in India, but with it, fraud incidents have also increased. Previously, users were unaware that the numbers they were sending money to could be linked to fraud. PhonePe Protect has opened a new avenue. This feature alerts users in advance of potential fraud, preventing them from accidentally sending money to a fraudster.

This feature serves not only as a technical security measure but also as a user education tool. When a user is warned that the number they are sending money to may be linked to fraud, they make informed decisions. In this way, PhonePe Protect provides a new layer of security, operating across a network of over 610 million users.

What users should do with PhonePe Protect?

There are some important tips to keep in mind when using PhonePe Protect. First, if you’re sending money to someone, always double-check the recipient’s number and name. If a “PhonePe Protect” alert appears on the screen, don’t take it lightly—think twice before making the transfer. If you’re making a payment using a QR code, ensure the QR code you’re scanning is genuine and not part of a fraud.

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Also, always use a strong PIN and app authentication for UPI payments. This ensures your transactions remain secure. Also, use the updated app to activate the new security features. If money is sent in error, contact your bank or app’s customer service immediately. However, note that once money is sent, the transaction cannot be reversed before it is blocked.