Airtel MD Urges Customers to Use a Dedicated Secondary Account as Cyber Fraud Cases Rise

KOCHI:

Gopal Vittal, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Bharti Airtel, has written to Airtel customers highlighting the sharp rise in digital scams and financial fraud. He pointed to evolving threats such as fake parcel delivery calls, phishing links that lure users with rewards, and “digital arrest” scams, and reiterated Airtel’s steadfast commitment to protecting customers from such risks. In the letter, he announced Airtel Payments Bank’s Safe Second Account, a secure, dedicated account for digital payments that helps ring‑fence customers’ hard‑earned savings by keeping their primary bank accounts separate from everyday UPI and app transactions.

“Any crime or fraud on our network pains us deeply at Airtel. Your safety is, and will always remain, our highest priority,” said Gopal Vittal. He noted that Airtel has already deployed advanced AI capabilities to generate instant alerts on spam calls and messages, and to block fraudulent links even if a customer clicks on them by mistake. However, he cautioned that in the current digital payments environment, directly linking a primary savings account to UPI or payment apps can expose a customer’s entire balance, and positioned the Safe Second Account as a simple, secure way to stay protected while continuing to use digital payments with confidence.

Vittal explained that the Safe Second Account is designed primarily for payments and requires only a small balance, which continues to earn interest. Because Airtel Payments Bank does not extend credit, customers are not expected to park large sums in this account, reducing their exposure if a fraud attempt succeeds. Opening the account is quick and convenient through the Airtel Thanks app: customers can go to the Payments Bank tab, complete Aadhaar and PAN‑based KYC, set an mPIN, and add money to immediately start transacting in a safer manner.

Customers can easily top up their Safe Second Account by transferring funds from their primary bank account or by depositing cash at any Airtel Payments Bank Retail Point. By moving routine digital spends to this account, millions of users can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to their main savings while still enjoying seamless, real‑time digital payments.

“We encourage our customers to take a few minutes today to open a Safe Second Account and safeguard their money,” added Vittal. “Airtel remains committed to empowering you with secure, inclusive and easy‑to‑use financial services that keep pace with the evolving digital landscape.” Customers can visit Airtel’s official website for detailed information on product features, eligibility and applicable terms and conditions.