The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed a significant new measure to combat rising digital payment frauds by introducing a one-hour delay for all UPI transfers exceeding ₹10,000. This ‘safety step’, as described by the RBI, aims to curb the alarming increase in financial frauds, which reportedly reached ₹22,930 crore in 2025.

The core idea behind holding these UPI transfers above ₹10,000 is to disrupt the psychological pressure and urgency often created by fraudsters to trick victims into completing transactions hastily. During this one-hour window, users will have the option to cancel the transaction, providing a crucial buffer against impulse decisions driven by social engineering tactics. Beyond this primary measure for UPI transfers above ₹10,000, the RBI is also exploring additional safeguards for vulnerable groups.

These include mandatory authentication by a trusted person for high-value transactions involving senior citizens and individuals with disabilities, as well as capped credit limits for accounts that undergo a thorough review. This multi-pronged approach underscores the RBI’s commitment to fortifying India’s digital payment infrastructure against evolving fraudulent schemes.