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You likely make online payments in your daily life, but did you know that a significant threat to your privacy looms behind these transactions? Let’s explore what this threat is and how you can protect yourself from it.

In today’s digital era, UPI has become an integral part of our lives. From roadside tea stalls to large shopping malls, we are making online payments everywhere with ease. However, are you aware that a major threat to your privacy lurks behind these convenient transactions? If you have paid attention, you may have noticed that whenever you transfer money to a shopkeeper or an individual via UPI, your personal mobile number is often shared with them as well. This number can potentially be used for spam calls, fraudulent activities, or to track your personal information.

An Excellent Initiative by NPCI and Payment Apps

For women and individuals who are particularly vigilant about their security, this has been a significant cause for concern. However, there is absolutely no need to worry anymore. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and leading payment applications are now offering you access to excellent technologies and settings that allow you to complete your payments without revealing even a single digit of your mobile number to the recipient. Let’s find out what this privacy-enhancing technology is.

You can adopt the following methods to safeguard your privacy:

1. Create a Personalized or Custom UPI ID

The simplest way to conceal your mobile number is to create a custom or private UPI ID.

Paytm: If you wish to hide your number on Paytm, start by tapping on your profile icon. From there, select “UPI & Payment Settings.” Next, click on “Manage UPI IDs” to create a unique name or alphanumeric ID of your choice.

Google Pay: To hide your number on Google Pay, tap on your profile picture. Then, select “Bank Account,” navigate to “Manage UPI Numbers,” and unlink your mobile number. You can then set up a random or name-based ID in its place.

2. Use an Alternate UPI Number

The National Payments Corporation of India has introduced a new feature that allows you to mask your actual bank-registered mobile number. You can create a separate UPI number—or a virtual number—linked to your bank account.

3. Change Your Primary UPI ID

Furthermore, once you have created a new or custom ID, do not forget to activate it as your primary UPI ID. Once the primary ID is set, all your transactions will be processed exclusively through that ID, and your mobile number will remain hidden at all times.