The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has intensified its consumer awareness efforts on text message scams, urging digital payment users to stay alert against fraudulent SMSs designed to steal money and personal information. As digital payments become increasingly accessible across the country, NPCI said fraudsters are exploiting social engineering tactics that create urgency, fear or curiosity to manipulate users into making hasty decisions. According to NPCI, text message scams typically impersonate trusted organisations such as banks, government agencies, telecom operators and delivery companies to deceive users. Fraudsters commonly attempt to lure victims into clicking fake links, calling fraudulent customer care numbers, downloading malicious applications, sharing sensitive information such as OTPs, UPI PINs and passwords, or transferring money based on misleading SMS alerts claiming funds have been credited.
NPCI advised users to read every message carefully, verify requests through official websites or customer care channels, download apps only from authorised app stores, avoid clicking suspicious links, regularly check bank account statements for transaction confirmation, and review app permissions before granting access. It also urged people to preserve evidence by saving messages, taking screenshots and documenting interactions, while reporting suspicious activity through the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or the Department of Telecommunications’ Sanchar Saathi portal.
In Itanagar, the awareness campaign is expected to benefit the city’s growing base of digital payment users, including retailers, small businesses and consumers who increasingly rely on UPI and mobile transactions. Industry observers believe stronger public awareness can help reduce fraud-related losses, reinforce trust in digital payments and support the continued expansion of cashless transactions across Arunachal Pradesh.
