RBI asks payment systems operators to educate public on safe digital transactions

RBI in a press release said,"As you are aware, safety and security of digital transactions are of paramount importance. Reserve Bank has been taking measures to improve awareness through its e-BAAT programmes and organising campaigns on safe use of digital payment modes, to avoid sharing critical personal information like PIN, OTP, passwords, etc."

Mumbai: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Monday directed payment systems operators to undertake targeted multi-lingual campaigns by way of SMSs and advertisements to educate their users on safe and secure use of digital payments amid incidence of frauds continuing to bedevil people.

RBI in a press release said,"As you are aware, safety and security of digital transactions are of paramount importance. Reserve Bank has been taking measures to improve awareness through its e-BAAT programmes and organising campaigns on safe use of digital payment modes, to avoid sharing critical personal information like PIN, OTP, passwords, etc."

Inspite of these initiatives, incidence of frauds continue to bedevil digital users, often using the same modus operandi users were cautioned about, such as luring them to disclose vital payment information, swapping sim cards, opening links received in messages and mails.

It is, therefore, essential that all payment systems operators and participants – banks and non-banks continue and reinforce efforts to spread awareness about digital safety, the release said.

"All authorised payment systems operators and participants are hereby advised to undertake targeted multi-lingual campaigns by way of SMSs, advertisements in print and visual media, etc, to educate their users on safe and secure use of digital payments," it said.

The central bank also cautioned public from undertaking banking or other financial transactions through public, open or free WiFi-networks and storing important banking data on the mobile, e-mail, electronic wallet or purse.

Consumers may remember that banks and other payment systems operators never ask for details such as password, PIN, OTP and CVV number, it said.

(With PTI Inputs)