Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is one of the most widely used digital payment systems in India due to its ease and speed. However, this popularity has also made it a target for fraudsters. Here's a detailed explanation of current prevailing UPI frauds and how to stay safe from each of them:
🔴 Prevailing UPI Frauds (2025 Trends)
1. Phishing via Fake UPI Apps or Screens
- Fraudsters send links to fake UPI apps or web pages mimicking Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, etc.
- Once installed or accessed, these apps steal banking credentials or ask for screen-sharing.
Signs:
- Unofficial websites, apps with low downloads or no reviews.
- Asking to download APK files directly.
Stay Safe:
- Only install UPI apps from official app stores (Google Play, Apple App Store).
- Never click payment links from unknown sources.
2. QR Code Scam (Receiving Money)
- Fraudster pretends to pay you and sends a QR code asking you to scan it to receive money.
- But scanning it actually initiates payment from your account.
Signs:
- QR code with the message "scan to receive" (technically incorrect).
- Often used in OLX-style online sales.
Stay Safe:
- Never scan a QR code to receive money. UPI QR codes are for sending, not receiving.
- For receiving money, you only need to share your UPI ID or registered mobile number.
3. Fraud Calls Claiming to Be from Bank / Support
- Fraudsters pretend to be from your bank, RBI, UPI team, or customer care.
- They ask for UPI PIN, OTP, or ask you to install screen-sharing apps like AnyDesk.
Signs:
- Urgent calls saying “Your account will be blocked”.
- Asking for PIN, OTP, or remote access.
Stay Safe:
- No genuine bank or UPI support will ever ask for OTP, UPI PIN, or remote access.
- Cut the call and block/report the number.
4. Fake UPI Collect Request
- Fraudster sends a “Collect Request” asking you to authorize payment via your UPI app.
Signs:
- Sudden collect request popup from someone unknown.
- Often disguised as “Cashback” or “Bonus”.
Stay Safe:
- Reject any collect request you didn’t initiate.
- Carefully read the screen before entering your UPI PIN.
5. Social Engineering via Jobs / Lottery / Cashback
- Messages or calls offer part-time jobs, cashback offers, or lottery wins.
- They ask you to pay a small “processing fee” via UPI, after which they vanish.
Signs:
- “You have won ₹50,000 – pay ₹500 to claim it.”
- Work-from-home job ads asking for a UPI payment to start.
Stay Safe:
- Never pay money to get a job or prize.
- Verify job offers or schemes through official company websites.
6. Screen Sharing & Remote Access Apps
- Fraudster convinces you to install apps like TeamViewer, AnyDesk, QuickSupport.
- Once installed, they view your screen and steal credentials or initiate payments.
Signs:
- Caller guides you step-by-step to install and “verify identity”.
Stay Safe:
- Never install any screen-sharing app on request.
- Banks and payment apps never ask for such installations.
7. SIM Swap Fraud
- Fraudster gets a new SIM issued using your number (via social engineering or forged documents).
- Gains access to OTPs and banking apps.
Signs:
- Suddenly no network on your phone.
- SIM deactivation message without your action.
Stay Safe:
- Set SIM lock and mobile PIN.
- Register for SMS/email alerts.
- If mobile service goes dead without reason, contact provider immediately.
8. Fake Customer Care Numbers (Google Search Trap)
- Fraudsters publish fake customer care numbers online.
- When you search “Google Pay customer care”, you may call a fraud number.
Signs:
- Contact found on unofficial websites or ads.
- They ask for UPI PIN or to download an app.
Stay Safe:
- Get official customer care details only from the app or official website.
✅ General Safety Tips for UPI
- Always lock your UPI app with PIN or biometrics.
- Use strong phone lock (pattern/PIN/biometric).
- Regularly check your bank statement or UPI transaction history.
- Don’t respond to payment links from unknown sources.
- Don’t share your UPI PIN, OTP, or banking details.
- Report fraud immediately to your bank or via the NPCI helpline (1800-120-1740).
- Use secure Wi-Fi or mobile data—not public Wi-Fi—for transactions.
- Turn off UPI or block your account in case of mobile theft.
📞 Emergency Reporting Numbers
- Cyber Crime Helpline (India): 1930
- Cyber Crime Portal: cybercrime.gov.in
- Bank Helpline: Your bank’s customer care number (official website only)
- UPI Complaint: Directly within your UPI app → Help or Support section
If you want, I can create a simple infographic or printable checklist to help you remember and share these fraud types with others.
Mistakes from users that leads UPI frauds:-
Most UPI frauds succeed not because of technical vulnerabilities, but because of human errors. Here are the most common mistakes users make that lead them into UPI fraud traps:
⚠️ Common User Mistakes That Lead to UPI Frauds
1. Scanning QR Code to Receive Money
- Mistake: Believing that scanning a QR code can bring money into your account.
- Truth: QR codes are only used to send money, never to receive.
❌ “Scan this QR code to receive ₹5,000” → You end up sending ₹5,000!
2. Entering UPI PIN Without Reading Carefully
- Mistake: Entering the UPI PIN without checking whether the transaction is sending or receiving money.
- Truth: UPI PIN is only required to send money, not to receive.
❌ Entering PIN for "cashback" = authorizing a payment to the fraudster.
3. Installing Apps from Unknown Sources
- Mistake: Installing UPI or banking apps (or .APK files) from WhatsApp forwards, unknown websites, or links.
- Truth: Fraudulent apps steal credentials or give access to scammers.
❌ Apps sent via messages or unknown links are risky—even if they look real.
4. Clicking on Unknown Payment Links
- Mistake: Clicking on suspicious UPI links (e.g.,
upi://pay?pa=...) sent via SMS/WhatsApp. - Truth: These links often initiate payment requests or trigger “collect requests”.
❌ “Get refund, click this link” → You end up authorizing a payment instead.
5. Sharing OTP, UPI PIN, or Bank Details
- Mistake: Sharing sensitive info like UPI PIN, OTP, or card number over phone or chat.
- Truth: No genuine service will ever ask for these.
❌ “We are from the bank, confirm your OTP” → OTP = money gone.
6. Calling Fake Customer Care Numbers
- Mistake: Searching “PhonePe helpline” or “Google Pay support” on Google and calling fraud numbers.
- Truth: Fraudsters put fake numbers on websites or Google ads.
❌ They pretend to “help” you, but guide you to send them money.
7. Allowing Screen Sharing
- Mistake: Installing apps like AnyDesk, TeamViewer on request.
- Truth: These apps let the fraudster see and control your screen and steal OTPs or initiate transactions.
❌ “I’ll help you. Install this app.” → They take control of your phone.
8. Paying to Get Job, Cashback, Lottery, or Rewards
- Mistake: Believing they have won a lottery, cashback, or got a job offer that needs a small fee upfront.
- Truth: Real offers never ask for money upfront.
❌ “Pay ₹200 to get ₹10,000 cashback” → Scam alert.
9. Ignoring Small Deductions
- Mistake: Ignoring small deductions like ₹5, ₹10 assuming it’s a mistake.
- Truth: These are often test transactions by hackers.
❌ Small leak = testing your account. Bigger frauds may follow.
10. Not Locking Phone or Apps
- Mistake: No phone lock, UPI app not secured with PIN/biometric.
- Truth: If your phone is stolen, access to apps becomes very easy.
❌ Lost phone = open door to your bank account.
✅ Summary Table
| Mistake | Real Risk | Correct Action |
|---|---|---|
| Scanning QR to receive | Sending money unknowingly | Share UPI ID only |
| Entering PIN blindly | Authorizing fraudulent payments | Read transaction details |
| Clicking unknown links | Triggering payments or data leaks | Avoid unsolicited links |
| Sharing OTP/PIN | Instant money loss | Never share confidential info |
| Using Google for help | Contacting fake support | Use app or official website only |
| Installing screen share apps | Loss of control of phone | Never install on request |
| Paying for offers/jobs | Instant fraud | Real offers don’t ask money |
| No app lock | Easy theft access | Use biometric/PIN security |
| Ignoring small fraud | Bigger attack later | Report immediately |
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