Stop UPI scams before they start. Stay alert, stay safe

UPI has made payments quick and effortless. From splitting bills to paying at shops, everything now happens in seconds. But as UPI usage grows, so do scams. Fraudsters are constantly finding new ways to trick people into sending money without realizing it.

The “Request money” scam

One of the most common UPI scams involves payment requests. A fraudster may pose as a seller, delivery agent or even a known contact and send a “collect request.” They may tell you to approve it to receive money. In reality, approving the request sends money from your account.

Always remember, receiving money does not require approval. Take a moment to read every request carefully before acting.

Fake customer support and refund scams

Scammers often pretend to be customer support executives from banks, apps or online platforms. They may say you are eligible for a refund or that there is an issue with your transaction.

They then guide you step by step to “fix” the problem, which usually results in money being debited from your account.

Banks will never ask you to perform transactions to receive refunds. If you receive such calls, it is best to disconnect and verify through official channels.

QR code scams

QR codes are widely used for payments, but they are also misused by fraudsters. You may receive a QR code with a message saying you need to scan it to receive money or claim a reward.

Scanning such codes can lead to money being deducted instead. Be cautious. QR codes are meant for making payments, not receiving them.

Fake links and phishing messages

Another common method is sending fake links through SMS, WhatsApp or social media. These messages may look genuine and may claim to be from banks or payment apps.

Once clicked, they lead to fake websites that capture your personal and banking information. Avoid clicking on unknown links. Always use official apps or websites for transactions.

Protect your information

Fraudsters may also try to collect personal or bank details by creating a sense of urgency. They may ask for account details, claiming it is needed for verification or updates.

Sharing such information can lead to unauthorized access to your account. Always keep your personal and banking information private and verify before responding to any such request.

Stay alert while using UPI

Most UPI scams rely on confusion and urgency. Taking a moment to pause and verify can prevent financial loss. Always double check who you are dealing with and what action you are performing.

UPI is safe when used wisely. Building simple habits like verifying requests, avoiding unknown links, protecting your details and acting quickly on suspicious activity is a form of digital self-defence that can go a long way in keeping your money secure.