Fake UPI Payment Request: A Common Trick to Steal Your Money

Introduction

Fake UPI payment request fraud is a very common and dangerous online scam. In this fraud, scammers make you believe that you are going to receive money, but in reality, you are sending money to them.

Many people lose money because they don’t read the UPI message properly and enter their UPI PIN in a hurry.

👉 Remember one rule: To receive money, you NEVER need to enter a UPI PIN. How This Fraud Happens (In Simple Words)

Step 1: Scammer Contacts You

You may receive a call, WhatsApp message, or SMS.

The scammer may pretend to be:

• A company employee

• A lottery or prize officer

• A government official

• A shopkeeper or delivery person

• Even your friend or relative (using a hacked account)

  
  

Step 2: They Create Trust

They may say:

• “You won a lottery”

• “You will get a refund”

• “This is an emergency, please help”

• “I will return the money in 5 minutes”

Sometimes they even send a small amount first to gain your trust.

Step 3: Fake UPI Request

They send you a UPI request and tell you:

• “Accept this to receive money”

• “Enter PIN to get refund”

  
  

👉 But accepting a UPI request means YOU are paying, not receiving.

Step 4: Money Is Gone

As soon as you enter your UPI PIN, money is deducted from your account.

Step 4: Money Is Gone

As soon as you enter your UPI PIN, money is deducted from your account.

Why Scammers Use This Trick

• It gives instant money

• Many people don’t understand UPI properly

• Digital payments cannot be easily reversed

• Fear, greed, and hurry make people careless

How to Stay Safe (Very Important)

✔ Basic Safety Rules

• Read every UPI message carefully

• UPI request = YOU are paying money

• You do NOT need a PIN to receive money

• Decline UPI requests from unknown people

  
  

✔ Smart Habits

• Never share your UPI PIN with anyone

• Do not trust calls promising prizes or refunds

• If confused, stop and call your bank

• Talk to a family member before sending money

Real-Life Examples (Easy to Understand)

🔹 A man in Mumbai was told he won a lottery. He accepted a UPI request thinking he would receive money. ₹50,000 was deducted instead.

🔹 A businessman in Delhi received a WhatsApp message from a friend’s photo asking for urgent money. He accepted the UPI request and lost ₹25,000. The friend’s account was hacked.

🔹 A college student in Kolkata was told he would get a refund from an online shopping site. He accepted the UPI request and lost ₹15,000.

Simple Line to Remember

If someone asks you to enter UPI PIN, you are SENDING money – not receiving it.

What To Do If You Are Scammed

• Immediately inform your bank

• Block your UPI

• Report on the cybercrime portal

• Inform the police