RBI’s Big Move: Banks Must Now Check Mobile Number Status to Avoid Fraud

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has made an important rule for all banks and financial companies in the country. From March 31, 2025, they must check if a customer’s mobile number is still active or has been permanently disconnected. This check will be done through something called the Mobile Number Revocation List (MNRL). It may sound a bit technical, but don’t worry — we will explain everything in simple words.

This rule will help protect people from SIM-related fraud, which is becoming a growing problem in India.

To know more about how this affects SIM cards and other updates, you can visit Chakshu Portal.

What is MNRL?

MNRL stands for Mobile Number Revocation List. It is a list that includes mobile numbers which have been permanently disconnected by telecom operators. Once a mobile number is not in use and is disconnected, it may later be given to a new user.

The issue starts when the old user’s bank account, UPI, or any other financial service is still linked to that mobile number. If any sensitive information like OTPs or alerts is sent to the new owner of the number, there’s a risk of fraud.

To avoid this, MNRL is used to keep track of numbers that are no longer in use. Banks will now have to check this list before using a number for sending any banking information.

More details on SIM safety can be found at Chakshu Portal.

Why This Rule is Needed?

Mobile numbers are used for almost every online service — bank OTPs, SMS alerts, loan notifications, and more. But what happens if your mobile number gets deactivated and later someone else gets it? Your bank may still be sending important alerts to that same number, but now it’s not with you.

In such cases, the new owner of your old number might get access to your private information. This is a big security risk.

To solve this, the RBI wants all banks and financial services to start checking the MNRL. This way, if a number is found in the list, the bank will know that it’s no longer active and should not be used for communication.

You can always read more about such SIM-related security issues at Chakshu Portal.

How Does MNRL Work?

Let’s break it down simply:

1. Mobile number is disconnected: A telecom company (like Airtel, Jio, BSNL) permanently deactivates a number if not used for a certain time.
2. Number is added to the MNRL: Every month, telecom companies send this data to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
3. List is updated monthly: TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) publishes the list on their Digital Intelligence Platform.
4. Banks access the list: Banks and financial companies check the number against the MNRL before using it for customer communication.

So now, if someone’s mobile number is found on this list, banks will avoid sending any messages or OTPs to it.

What Banks and Financial Companies Must Do?

According to the RBI, all banks, NBFCs, fintech firms, and payment apps must start using the MNRL by March 31, 2025. That means they have to:

• Connect their systems to the MNRL database.
• Check customer mobile numbers regularly.
• Avoid using numbers that are listed as disconnected.
• Inform customers to update their contact details if needed.

This rule will help make mobile banking and online services much safer for everyone.

You can find more updates like this on Chakshu Portal.

What Happens If Banks Don’t Follow?

If banks don’t start using MNRL as asked by RBI, it could cause problems for both the banks and the customers. Here’s what could happen:

• Data could go to the wrong person: OTPs and transaction alerts might be sent to the new owner of the old number.
• Fraud risk increases: There is a higher chance of fraud if someone misuses this information.
• Banks can be fined: RBI may take action against banks that fail to follow the rule.
• Loss of trust: Customers may stop trusting banks that don’t keep their information safe.

That’s why this rule is being taken seriously across the country.

How This Affects You?

If your mobile number is inactive for a long time, your telecom company may disconnect it. After a few months, someone else can get the same number. If your bank still has that number linked to your account, your information can go to the wrong person.

That’s why it’s important to always update your mobile number with your bank or any service you use. This small step can keep your personal data safe.

You can learn more about mobile safety, SIM rules, and banking updates from Chakshu Portal.

Final Words

The RBI’s new rule about MNRL is a big step to make banking and mobile-based services safer in India. It may seem like a small technical change, but it can help protect millions of people from fraud.

Whether you use online banking, UPI apps, or just depend on SMS alerts for transactions, this new rule makes sure that your information goes to the right place.

Banks have time till March 31, 2025, to fully apply this rule. But as a user, your job is simple — keep your mobile number updated with your bank, and stay informed.

For more news on SIM-related changes, mobile updates, and digital safety, check Chakshu Portal.