RBI proposes one-hour pause for large UPI transactions — How to Identify & Stay Safe

INDIA — By BharatSecure Threat Intelligence Team · Updated May 26, 2026

Severity: MEDIUM | View Full Scam Details

RBI Proposes One-Hour Pause for Large UPI Transactions Scam in India 2026: What You Must Know to Stay Safe

Scammers are exploiting RBI’s proposed one-hour pause on large UPI payments by tricking users into losing money through fake alerts and urgent requests.

What Is the RBI Proposes One-Hour Pause for Large UPI Transactions Scam?

In 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) proposed a new measure to introduce a mandatory one-hour pause on all large-value Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions above a certain limit. The idea is to give users a cooling-off period to detect and prevent fraudulent transfers. While this move is intended to enhance payment security, cybercriminals have quickly adapted their tactics to exploit public confusion around the policy.

This scam targets everyday UPI users across India who regularly send or receive large payments. With millions using UPI for everything from bill payments to instant money transfers, many are unfamiliar with transaction delays introduced by RBI’s pause. Fraudsters take advantage of this uncertainty by sending fake messages or making calls pretending to be from banks or RBI officials. These imposters create false urgency around the “pause” period, coaxing victims to share OTPs or move funds quickly before delays affect their transfers.

CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team) and the Indian government’s Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) have issued alerts about rising UPI frauds that misuse official announcements and RBI directives for social engineering scams. Such scams are now widespread across metropolitan and smaller cities, especially targeting people who use WhatsApp and SMS for banking communications.

How This Scam Works — Step by Step

1. Initial Contact: The scam usually starts with a WhatsApp message, SMS, or phone call claiming to be from the Reserve Bank of India or the victim’s bank. The message informs the user that a one-hour pause on large UPI payments will begin soon or is already in effect. It warns the user to “act immediately” to avoid transaction failures or losses.

2. Building Trust: The scammer may share fake links to RBI or bank websites (which are phishing pages) or provide fabricated “official” helpline numbers. Sometimes, fraudsters impersonate someone close, like a relative or friend, claiming they need urgent money transfers within the “pause window.”

3. Requesting Sensitive Information: To “help remove the pause” or “secure your account,” the scammer asks for UPI PINs, OTPs, or Aadhaar details. They may also trick the user into installing remote access apps, allowing them full control of the victim’s phone.

4. Rapid Fund Transfer: Once the scammer gets access, they immediately initiate multiple high-value UPI transfers from the victim’s account under the guise of “completing transactions before the pause,” draining the victim’s bank balance.

5. Silencing the Victim: By the time the victim realizes something is wrong, the funds are already transferred to mule accounts or wallets, making reversal challenging. Delays introduced by RBI’s pause ironically give fraudsters time to cover their tracks.

Real Warning Signs to Watch For

• Unexpected messages or calls claiming to be from RBI or your bank warning about UPI delays or pauses.
• Requests for your UPI PIN, OTP, Aadhaar number, or bank credentials — official agencies never ask for these.
• Urgent threats that your transaction will fail or your account will be blocked unless you comply immediately.
• Links leading to suspicious websites that look like official RBI or bank portals but have misspellings or unusual URLs.
• Calls coming from unknown or private numbers asking for confirmation of transaction details or personal info.
• Requests to install unknown apps for “security” or “pause removal” purposes.
• Messages or calls pressuring you to complete large transfers quickly, citing the proposed RBI pause policy.

What Happens to Victims

Victims often suffer significant financial losses, with amounts in the range of thousands to lakhs of rupees debited via fraudulent UPI transactions. Since UPI transactions are immediate and irrevocable, RBI and banks usually cannot reverse these frauds, especially if customers shared their PINs or OTPs willingly.

Emotionally, victims face stress, anxiety, and loss of trust in digital payments — a problem in a country quickly moving toward a cashless economy. Some may also experience identity misuse if their Aadhaar or SIM card details are compromised, leading to further fraud like SIM swapping or fake loan applications.

What RBI and CERT-In Say

The RBI has clearly stated in its official advisories that customers must never share their UPI PIN, OTP, or bank details over the phone or messages, even if the caller claims to be from RBI or the bank. RBI’s framework emphasizes customer education as a key defense against digital payment frauds.

CERT-In and I4C recommend vigilance against phishing links, unsolicited calls, and suspicious messages relating to UPI or any banking services. Victims of such scams are urged to report immediately on the national cybercrime portal (cybercrime.gov.in) and use the 1930 cybercrime helpline for prompt assistance.

RBI’s helpline for banking-related grievances can also be contacted at 1800-22-1911. Both agencies emphasize that the proposed one-hour pause is a user protection feature and does not need any action from customers unless notified via official bank channels.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Do not trust unsolicited calls or WhatsApp messages claiming to be from RBI or banks about transaction pauses.
2. Never share your UPI PIN, OTP, Aadhaar details, or bank credentials with anyone — not even family or friends.
3. Always verify messages by calling your bank’s official customer care number directly before acting.
4. Ignore links in SMS/WhatsApp messages that ask you to “reactivate” accounts or “remove transaction pauses.”
5. Do not install apps or software on your phone unless downloaded from official app stores and confirmed by your bank.
6. Keep your phone and UPI app updated with the latest security patches.
7. Enable biometric authentication or two-factor authentication wherever possible on your banking apps.

What to Do If You’ve Been Targeted

1. Immediately contact your bank’s customer service and raise a complaint about unauthorized UPI transactions.
2. Block or freeze your UPI payment app if possible to prevent further losses.
3. Report the incident at the cybercrime.gov.in portal under the “Financial Fraud” or “UPI Scam” categories.
4. Call the 1930 Indian Cyber Crime helpline for quick guidance and rescue measures.
5. Inform your mobile operator to check for any SIM card misuse or possible SIM swaps linked to the fraud.
6. File a written complaint with your local police cyber cell for official records and investigation.
7. Monitor your bank and UPI accounts closely over the next few weeks to detect suspicious activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is RBI really implementing a one-hour pause on large UPI transactions?
A: RBI has proposed this measure as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce digital payment fraud, but the pause is intended as a protective feature — not an urgent action required from users. Official announcements will only come through verified RBI channels, not random messages or calls.

Q: Can banks reverse fraudulent UPI transactions made during this scam?
A: Generally, UPI payments are instant and irreversible if PIN or OTP is misused by the user. However, if the bank finds negligence or system fault, partial reversals might be possible after official complaints and investigations.

Q: How can I verify if a message or call about RBI’s pause is genuine?
A: Always cross-check on official RBI and bank websites or call the bank’s verified helpline numbers before trusting any such communication. Do not use contact details provided in suspicious messages.

Stay alert and protect your digital money. If you receive any suspicious messages or calls claiming to be related to RBI’s one-hour UPI transaction pause, do not respond or share personal details. Verify first on BharatSecure.app — your trusted guide against digital fraud in India.