Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has transformed digital transactions in India, making them fast and convenient. However, cyber attackers are taking advantage of this convenience via UPI scams, resulting in monetary loss to unsuspecting users.
Here, we’ll talk about 10 tested methods to prevent UPI scams, with actual examples, so that you can stay protected while using UPI payments.
1. Don’t Share Your UPI PIN with Anyon
Why It’s Risky?
Your UPI Pin is similar to an ATM Pin- If it falls Into Wrong hand, they can drain Your bank A/c. scammers usually pretend to be bank representative or customer care executives to make you disclose it
Real Case ( Example )
In 2023, a Mumbai businessman lost ₹1.2 lakh after receiving a call from a phoney bank agent. The caller asked for his PIN and informed him that his UPI needed to be “reactivated”. The money was transferred as soon as it was shared.
How Can I Remain Secure?
Never provide your UPI PIN via WhatsApp, SMS, or phone calls.
Your UPi Pin is never requested by banks for verification.
2. Beware of Fake Payment Requests ( Collect Request Scam )
How It Works?
Fraudster make fake ” collect Money” requests Through UPI apps (Such As Phone pay, google pay, Paytm). Money is debited from your account if you accept.
Actual Situation (Example)
An unidentified phone issued a ₹5,000 collect request to a student at Delhi University. She promptly lost money after accepting what she thought was a reimbursement.
How Can I Prevent It?
Never comply with a stranger’s request to collect.
Before accepting any requests, confirm the sender’s UPI ID.
3. Scanning Random QR Codes
The OR Code Scam Explained
Fraudster Are sending Spurious QR codes purporting to be for discounts, rewards, or refund. Scanning them can result in unauthorized transfers of money.
Actual Case Example
A Hyderabadi lost ₹50,000 after scanning a QR code received on WhatsApp, promising a “free Netflix subscription.” The QR code initiated an auto-debit.
Protection Tip
Scan QR codes only from reliable merchants.
Never scan a QR code received through unknown messages.
4. Never Believe “Too Good to Be True” Offers
Typical Scam Methods
Scammers use flimsy promises like these to lure victims in:
“Make ₹10,000 in 10 minutes!”
“Double your money through UPI transfer.”
Real-World Example
A lady in Bangalore was promised “double returns” if she used UPI to pay ₹20,000. She never received anything in exchange for the money she paid.
How Can I Prevent Being Caught?
Avoid falling for inflated schemes to make money.
If something looks too good to be true, it’s most likely a hoax.
5. Verify UPI Handles Before Sending Money
The Scam of Fake UPI IDs
Phishers create phoney UPI IDs that mimic those of legitimate companies (for example, amazon-help@upi rather than amazon-support@upi).
An Example of an Actual Case
A Pune resident transferred ₹15,000 to a fraudulent UPI ID that mimics the official handle of the business in an attempt to pay for an online purchase.
Preventive Advice
Before transmitting money, make sure the UPI ID is correct.
Use validated merchant UPI handles to make payments.
6. Don’t Fall for ” UPI Mandate” scams
A UPI Mandate: What Is It?
Auto-recurring payments are made possible by a UPI mandate. This feature is used by cheaters to take money without authorisation.
An Actual Case Example
A woman from Chennai used her UPI credentials to sign up for a “free trial” subscription. After then, a hidden mandate caused ₹1,000 each month to be automatically deducted.
How Can I Prevent It?
Never approve UPI requests for unidentified websites or apps.
Examine your UPI app’s auto-debit settings on a regular basis.
7. Use UPI Apps with Strong Security Features
Why It Matters?
Some fake UPI apps steal banking details. Always use official apps like:
- Google Pay
- PhonePe
- Paytm
- BHIM
Real Case Example
A man from Gurugram downloaded an imitation “UPI Cashback App” which hacked his bank details, resulting in a loss of ₹30,000.
Safety Measure
Download UPI apps only from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
See app reviews before installing.
8. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
How Secure Is 2FA?
Unauthorised UPI transactions are prevented by adding an extra security measure (like OTP).
Actual Example Situation
The hacker attempted to use a resident of Kolkata’s UPI, but was unable to complete any transactions since he had 2FA enabled.
How Can I Activate?
Navigate to the UPI app settings and activate App Lock and 2FA.
9. Don’t Click on Suspicious UPI Payment Links
Warning about Phishing Scams
Through SMS or email, scammers provide phoney UPI payment links, which lead to phoney websites that steal login information.
An Actual Case Example
An executive in Mumbai received an SMS saying, “Your UPI has been disabled. To unblock, click this link. He gave his credentials and lost fifty thousand naira.
Safety Advice
Avoid clicking on dubious UPI links at all costs.
Enter UPI app URLs by hand.
10. Regularly Monitor UPI Transaction History
Why It’s Important?
Transaction history verification detects unauthorized transfers at an early stage.
Real Case Example
A Jaipur resident spotted three little unauthorized transactions and directly blocked his UPI, thus avoiding a large-scale scam.
Best Practice
Check UPI transactions regularly.
Inform your bank about suspicious activities immediately.
Final Thoughts: Stay Alert, Stay Safe
UPI scams are on the increase, but being aware and cautious can avoid losses. Just follow these 10 tips, keep yourself informed of new scam methods, and never disclose sensitive information to anyone.
Quick Recap:
- Never disclose UPI PIN
- Refrain from false collect requests
- Don’t scan unfamiliar QR codes
- Ignore too-good-to-be-true deals
- Authenticate UPI IDs prior to payment
- Steer clear of UPI mandates
- Utilize safe UPI apps
- Activate 2FA
- Refrain from phishing links
- Track transactions regularly
By doing the above, you can enjoy UPI payments safely and avoid the fraud.