UPI moves money in seconds, which is why fraudsters like it. Almost every scam works by getting you to enter your UPI PIN or approve a request you didn't start.
Rules that stop most fraud#
- You never need to enter your UPI PIN to receive money. A PIN request always means money is leaving your account.
- Never share an OTP, PIN or screen with anyone, including people claiming to be from your bank.
- Check the payee name shown before you approve a payment.
- Decline collect requests you don't recognise.
- Don't scan QR codes sent by strangers to 'receive' a refund or prize.
If money is taken#
- Call your bank's helpline at once and ask them to block the transaction and your UPI access.
- Report it on the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or at cybercrime.gov.in.
- Keep screenshots of messages, the transaction ID and the payee details.