UPI Transfers: Banks Introduce IVR Checks for Large Sums to Combat Fraud

• Banks are implementing IVR (Interactive Voice Response) verification for high-value UPI transactions to prevent online fraud.
• When a user attempts a large UPI transfer, the bank initiates an automated call to confirm the transaction's legitimacy.
• This security measure comes amidst record UPI usage, with 21.6 billion transactions worth ₹30 lakh crore in December 2025, and a corresponding increase in fraud risk.
• NPCI's new rules, effective September 15, 2025, allow up to ₹5 lakh per verified transaction and a daily limit of ₹10 lakh, though P2P transfers remain capped at ₹1 lakh.
• IVR calls are triggered based on factors like transaction amount, user behavior, account age, new device/location, and risky merchants, acting as a crucial safety layer against phishing and SIM-swap fraud.