Custom UPI Number vs. Phone Number: Which is Safer for You?

You’ve just scanned a QR code at a local shop or split a dinner bill with a new acquaintance. In seconds, the money is sent. But along with those funds, you likely handed over something far more valuable: your personal phone number and full legal name. While UPI (Unified Payments Interface) has revolutionized how India pays, the default settings often leave users vulnerable to spam, stalking, and sophisticated fraud. This guide analyzes the critical safety differences between using your phone number and a Custom UPI Number, helping you decide which method truly protects your digital identity.

The Hidden Risk of Default UPI IDs

When you first register on apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, or Paytm, the system typically auto-generates a Virtual Payment Address (VPA) based on your mobile number (e.g., 9876543210@okaxis or 9876543210@paytm).

While convenient, this default setting acts as a “digital breadcrumb” trail. Anyone you transact with, be it a delivery rider, a casual seller on OLX, or a stranger at a store, instantly gets access to your primary mobile number.

Why Your Phone Number is a Goldmine for Scammers

In the world of cybersecurity, your phone number is often called a “primary key.” It is the single piece of data that links your:

• Bank accounts (via OTPs)
• Social media profiles (WhatsApp, Instagram)
• Aadhaar and PAN details (often linked to the same number)

By sharing your number for every ₹10 transaction, you are handing scammers the first piece of the puzzle they need to target you with “vishing” calls, phishing links, or identity theft.

Custom UPI Number: The Privacy Shield

A Custom UPI Number (or a personalized UPI ID) breaks the link between your private contact details and your public payment address. Instead of your 10-digit mobile number, you create a unique alias, like arjun.private@okhdfc or a purely random 8-9 digit numeric ID that cannot be used to call or message you.

Comparison: Phone Number vs. Custom UPI Number

The “Reverse-Lookup” Danger

A unique angle often overlooked is the “Reverse-Lookup” vulnerability. If a malicious actor has your phone number from a UPI transaction, they can input it into Truecaller or similar databases to find your home address, email, and employer.

Conversely, a Custom UPI ID creates a dead end. Even if someone has your ID cool.traveler@sbi, they cannot easily reverse-search this to find your real-world coordinates. This is especially crucial for:

• Women: Preventing harassment or stalking after paying at local stores.
• High-Net-Worth Individuals: Avoiding targeted phishing attempts.
• Privacy Advocates: Keeping financial transactions distinct from social interactions.

How to Check Your Current Exposure

Before you decide to switch, you can check what you are currently broadcasting to the world:

1. Open your preferred UPI app (GPay, PhonePe, etc.).
2. Click on your profile picture.
3. Look at the “UPI IDs” or “Manage UPI Numbers” section.
4. If you see your 10-digit mobile number in the text before the “@” symbol, your privacy is currently compromised.

Note: Just because you have a custom ID doesn’t mean you are using it. You must set it as your primary or default ID for receiving money to ensure your phone number remains hidden.⁷

While using your phone number for UPI is convenient for friends and family, it is a privacy nightmare when dealing with the wider world. A Custom UPI Number offers the same speed and ease of transaction without the baggage of exposing your personal contact details. In an era where data is the new oil, switching to a custom ID is not just a preference, it is a necessary security upgrade.

Ready to secure your payments? Once you decide to switch, follow our guide on How to Create a Custom UPI Number to set up your private ID in under 2 minutes.

Tags: UPI safety tips, custom UPI number, Google Pay privacy, PhonePe security, hide phone number UPI, financial privacy India, VPA vs UPI Number, digital payment fraud prevention