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India
UPI Fraud
Scams exploiting India's UPI payment system through fake refunds, collect requests, and QR codes.
How This Scam Works
- 1Scammer contacts you posing as a buyer, seller, or bank representative
- 2They send a UPI collect request disguised as a payment or refund
- 3You approve the request thinking you're receiving money, but it actually debits your account
- 4Alternatively, they share a QR code that triggers a payment instead of receiving one
Red Flags to Watch For
- Anyone asking you to scan a QR code to RECEIVE money
- UPI collect requests from unknown IDs
- Pressure to act immediately on a pending refund
- Requests to share OTP or UPI PIN for receiving payments
- Offers that seem too good to be true on selling platforms like OLX
What to Do If You're a Victim
- Never share your UPI PIN or OTP with anyone
- Remember: you never need to enter PIN to RECEIVE money
- Report the UPI ID to your bank and NPCI
- File a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in
- Report on the National Consumer Helpline (1800-11-4000)
Real Examples
- Fake Google Pay/PhonePe refund calls
- OLX buyer sending collect requests
- QR code scams at shops and markets