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Bank-Specific 1600xx Numbers With Incoming Calls Proposed

21 May 20251 min read
BANKING & FINANCEBank-Specific1600xx NumbersWith IncomingCalls Proposed21 May 2025safalsetu.com

Why in the news

A proposal would give each bank one verifiable number that customers can also call, to improve trust and curb fraud.

Key facts

  • Banks now use several outbound-only 1600xx numbers, so customers cannot easily verify callers.
  • Proposal: one national number per bank with incoming calls and custom suffixes; possible exemptions for customers who opt in.
  • RBI’s January 2025 order: 1600xx for transactions, 140xx for promotions.

Banks’ requests

  • Clarity on inbound calling, use of third-party agents in debt recovery, and exemption for debt servicing calls.
  • Sent to RBI, DoT and TRAI.

Exam angle

  • 1600xx: transactional; 140xx: promotional.

Test yourself

1. Which number series did RBI mandate in January 2025 for promotional communication?

140xx is for promotional calls; 1600xx for transactional.

2. The proposed dedicated bank numbers would add which new facility?

Today's 1600xx numbers are outbound-only; the plan adds incoming calls.

3. Which body is NOT among those banks approached for clarity on 1600xx numbers?

Banks wrote to RBI, DoT and TRAI.

This topic is part of Daily Current Affairs 21 May 2025 (20 topics).

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