Bharti Airtel has issued an advisory to customers amid a rise in digital scams, urging users to avoid linking their primary bank accounts to UPI and payment apps. The company has introduced what it calls a “Safe Second Account” through Airtel Payments Bank, aimed at reducing the risk of financial loss from online fraud.
Airtel’s Vice Chairman and Managing Director Gopal Vittal highlighted the growing frequency of scams such as fake parcel delivery calls, fraudulent links and so-called “digital arrest” threats. In a letter sent to customers, he said the company has strengthened its fraud-prevention systems using artificial intelligence, including instant alerts on spam calls and the blocking of malicious links.
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
Vittal cautioned that linking day-to-day digital payments to a primary bank account increases the possibility of savings being compromised if a user falls victim to a scam. He said the Safe Second Account is intended to keep payment transactions separate from a user’s main savings account, with only a small balance required to operate it.
Opening an account can be done through the Airtel Thanks app by completing Aadhaar and PAN-based verification, setting an mPIN and adding funds. The account can be topped up through online transfers or by depositing cash at an Airtel Payments Bank retail outlet.
Airtel said the measure is meant to help customers reduce exposure to unauthorised transactions while continuing to use digital payments. Vittal urged users to take steps to secure their finances and encouraged feedback on how the company could further improve its services.
Also read | Assam: ADB support to modernise hospitals, medical education network