India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionized how we handle money. Sending cash to a friend, paying the neighbourhood shopkeeper, or settling bills online. It is often just a few taps away on our smartphones. This convenience is fantastic, but unfortunately, it has opened doors for scammers looking to exploit unsuspecting users.
The rapid growth of digital payments is undeniable. While exact figures fluctuate, reports often highlight staggering transaction volumes, indicating just how deeply embedded UPI is in our daily lives (Source: Trends often reported by NPCI or RBI). This popularity makes understanding UPI scams in India more critical than ever. Staying informed about the latest UPI scams isn’t about fearmongering; it’s about empowering yourself with knowledge for better online payment security in India.
Fraudsters are constantly evolving their tactics. What worked for them last year might be different today. Based on current trends and common reports, here are seven types of UPI scams prevalent right now that you should be aware of:
The QR Code Switcheroo
You’re selling something online or expecting a payment. The scammer sends you a QR code, claiming you need to scan it to receive money. In reality, scanning their QR code and entering your PIN authorizes a payment from your account to theirs. Remember: You never need to scan a QR code or enter your PIN to receive money via UPI.
The Fake KYC Update Ploy
You might receive an SMS, call, or message claiming your bank account or wallet KYC (Know Your Customer) is incomplete or expired. They’ll insist you click a link or share details (like OTPs or PINs) immediately to avoid account suspension. Often, the link leads to a fake login page designed to steal your credentials, or they’ll try to coax sensitive info out of you directly. Banks and legitimate institutions rarely ask for sensitive information via unsecured links or unsolicited calls for KYC updates. Always verify through official channels.
The Remote Screen Access Trap
Posing as customer support (from a bank, UPI app, or even tech support), a scammer convinces you to download a screen-sharing or remote access app (like AnyDesk or TeamViewer). They claim it’s needed to fix an issue. Once they have access, they can see everything on your screen, including OTPs you receive or when you enter your UPI PIN, allowing them to drain your account. Never grant remote access to your device to anyone you don’t implicitly trust or who contacted you unexpectedly.
The Urgent Request / Impersonation Scam
Scammers might hack a friend’s or relative’s social media account or simply call/message you pretending to be them, claiming an emergency and urgently needing money via UPI. They play on your emotions and the urgency to make you act without thinking. Always verify such requests through a different channel – call the person directly on their known number before sending any funds.
The Sneaky Electricity/Utility Bill Threat
You receive a message, often looking official, stating your electricity or another utility bill payment is overdue and your connection will be cut immediately if you don’t pay via a provided link or number. These are often fake portals or direct requests designed to steal money or credentials. Always pay bills through official apps or websites or verify any such urgent notice directly with the utility provider.
The Bogus Cashback or Refund Lure
Scammers send messages or links promising attractive cashback offers or refunds for recent purchases. To claim it, you might be asked to click a link (leading to a phishing site) or even approve a UPI ‘collect request’ – which is a request for you to send them money. Genuine cashback usually credits automatically or through official app sections; they don’t require clicking suspicious links or approving incoming payment requests to receive money.
The Fake Customer Care Number Gambit
When searching online for a company’s customer care number (for your bank, UPI app, or e-commerce site), you might stumble upon fake numbers planted by scammers. When you call, they pretend to be official support, ask for sensitive details like card numbers, CVV, OTPs, or UPI PINs, or guide you through steps that compromise your account (like installing remote access apps). Always find customer care numbers on the official website or the app itself, not through random web searches.
How to Avoid UPI Scams: Your Checklist for Safety
Understanding these threats is the first step. The next is proactive UPI fraud prevention. Here are essential UPI safety tips:
Guard Your PIN & OTPs: Never share your UPI PIN, OTPs (One-Time Passwords), or bank account details with anyone, no matter how convincing they sound. No legitimate bank or company representative will ever ask for these.
Verify Before You Send: Always double-check the recipient’s name and UPI ID before sending money. If receiving an urgent request from someone you know, call them on their verified number to confirm it’s really them.
Understand ‘Request Money’: Be extremely wary of ‘Collect Requests’ or ‘Payment Requests’. You only approve these when you intend to send money, not receive it. Scammers often use this trick.
Scrutinize QR Codes: Only scan QR codes from trusted sources. Remember, scanning is generally for making payments, not receiving them.
Use Official Channels: Download UPI apps only from official app stores (Google Play Store, Apple App Store). For support or bill payments, always use the official app or website. Avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails or messages.
Beware of Unrealistic Offers: If a deal, cashback, or refund sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Approach such offers with extreme caution.
Enable Transaction Notifications: Keep SMS and email alerts for your bank account active. Monitor your transactions regularly.
Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter a scam or suspect fraudulent activity, immediately report it to your bank, the UPI app provider, and the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in).
Staying vigilant is key. UPI is a powerful tool, and by incorporating these simple safety habits, you can continue to enjoy its convenience while significantly minimizing your risk of falling victim to UPI scams. Keep learning, stay alert, and transact safely!
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Tyoharon mein rakho apne paison ka khayal. Agar koi bole "PIN do, paise aa jayenge", toh samajh jao, scam hai! Aise Scammers ko bolo #MainMoorkhNahiHoon#UPI #UPIChalega pic.twitter.com/Ld0yFtE1ei
— UPI (@UPI_NPCI) March 27, 2025
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about common UPI scams and safety tips based on publicly available information and trends observed around April 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Scammers’ tactics can change rapidly. Always exercise caution, verify information independently, and learn about scams on the NPCI or RBI portal. The author and publisher are not liable for any losses incurred based on the information provided.