India Extends Mobile Security Deadline

The Reserve Bank of India has changed to Feb. 1 the deadline it had set for banks in the country to add a second layer of security to credit card transactions conducted over mobile phones.

The central bank had announced on Dec. 24 that all credit-card holders in India must enter a passcode whenever they make a transaction by phone, including those using automated interactive voice-response systems, starting Jan. 1. It initiated the policy as a safeguard against credit card fraud.

The central bank said it extended the deadline after banks said they were unable to incorporate the process with such short notice.

After Feb. 1, banks in India must decline any transactions initiated by phone if the customer does not have and use a one-time passcode. Cardholders will have to register for the service with their bank, which will send requested passcodes to the customer's registered mobile phone number and e-mail address.

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