OTP scams happen because:
- Scammers create urgency
- Victim shares OTP unknowingly
- Bank/UPI instantly processes transaction
- No recovery window
Two-Bank-Account Strategy (Very Strong)
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Account A → Daily transactions (low balance)
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Account B → Savings (high balance)
Recommended Setup:
Account A (Public Account)
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Linked to UPI
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Linked to shopping apps
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Linked to subscriptions
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Linked to wallet apps
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Keep minimal balance (₹5k–₹20k depending on usage)
Account B (Vault Account)
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No UPI linked
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No auto-debit
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No shopping apps
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No card saved online
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Used only for manual transfers
Transfer money from B → A only when needed.
This reduces maximum scam damage.
🔹 Separate Phone Strategy (Situational Use)
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One phone for banking
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One phone for public/social use
This works best for:
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Business owners
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High net-worth individuals
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People frequently targeted
But for normal users, better alternative:
Keep SIM used for banking:
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Not shared publicly
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Not used for random registrations
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Not listed on public platforms
Use secondary SIM for:
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Shopping
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Food delivery
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Classified ads
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Online forms
🔹 Disable Overpowered Features
Turn OFF:
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International transactions (if not needed) or decrease limits on cards (like keep 5000 for online and change when needed)
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Online transactions (if rarely used)
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Auto debit mandates (check frequently if anything is active or not)
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Overdraft facility
Lower transaction limits:
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UPI daily cap
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Card transaction limit
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ATM withdrawal limit
Lower limits = lower loss.
Freeze Button Habit
Know how to instantly:
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Freeze debit card
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Freeze UPI
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Block account via app
Speed matters more than recovery.
🔹 Cooling Period Awareness
Many scams happen because:
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People panic
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Act instantly
Personal rule:
If anyone asks for OTP or urgent payment:
Wait 10 minutes.
No legitimate bank employee:
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Asks for OTP
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Asks for PIN
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Asks for screen share