Fraudsters pose as buyers or sellers on online platforms and trick users into scanning QR codes or approving UPI collect requests. The victim believes they are receiving money, but instead, they authorize a debit transaction. In other cases, scammers send fake payment confirmation screenshots, convincing sellers that money has been transferred when it hasn’t. These scams often target people using online marketplaces, job listings, and small businesses.

• ⚠️ Fake QR codes claiming to transfer funds but actually pull money from your account.
• 💡 “Payment received” SMS or screenshots generated using fake apps.
• ✅ Phishing links disguised as UPI payment gateways or cashback offers.
• 📉 “Helpdesk” scams where fraudsters pose as customer support agents asking for UPI PIN.
• 🎯 Social media advertisements promoting fake UPI rewards or refunds.

Do’s

• Send money only by entering the receiver’s verified UPI ID manually.
• Cross-check all details before approving any payment request.
• Keep UPI PIN confidential — it’s like your ATM PIN.
• Use official UPI apps like BHIM, GPay, PhonePe, or Paytm only from trusted app stores.

Don’ts

• Never scan a QR code to “receive” money — QR codes are for sending payments.
• Don’t respond to unknown payment requests or messages with links.
• Don’t share screenshots of your UPI transactions or UTR numbers.
• Avoid downloading UPI apps from forwarded links or third-party websites.

• 💡 Messages claiming “money credited” without real SMS from your bank.
• ⚠️ Calls pressuring you to scan a QR code urgently.
• ✅ Fake job or gift offers requiring a ₹10 “registration” UPI transfer.
• 📉 OTP or payment requests received for transactions you didn’t initiate.
• 🎯 Social media ads offering “UPI cashback” via suspicious links.

• Immediately call your bank’s customer helpline and request to block your UPI account.
• Report the incident on cybercrime dot gov dot in or call 1930 helpline.
• Take screenshots of all communication and transaction IDs.
• Inform your local police station and file a complaint for recovery assistance.

• 💡 Enable app lock and screen lock on your smartphone.
• ✅ Link UPI only with your primary bank account for better control.
• 📉 Regularly review transaction history in your UPI app.
• 🎯 Avoid making payments under social or emotional pressure from unknown callers.

According to data from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), UPI-related scams have grown rapidly with increasing digital adoption. Fraudsters target new users unfamiliar with app security protocols. They often use emotional manipulation — pretending to be friends, buyers, or officials. Victims who unknowingly approve payment requests end up losing large sums instantly.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) have taken several steps to secure UPI transactions, including device binding, real-time fraud detection, and limits on high-value transfers. The I4C and CERT-In continue to conduct awareness drives on social media, advising users never to scan QR codes to receive money or share UPI PINs with anyone.

UPI and QR-based payments offer convenience but require awareness. Never scan unknown QR codes or approve collect requests from strangers. Treat every UPI transaction as seriously as your market orders — verify before confirming. Stay alert and updated through trusted financial and cyber awareness posts at Indian-Share-Tips.com, which is a SEBI Registered Advisory Services.