1. Confirm the Recipient’s Registered Name
This is the single most crucial check. Before you enter your PIN, every UPI app displays the legal name of the account holder associated with the UPI ID or phone number. Scammers often use misleading display names or UPI IDs that are similar to legitimate
ones. Always pause and read the name on the confirmation screen. Does it match the person or business you intend to pay? If you're paying a shop, the name displayed should be the merchant's name, not a personal name. If there's any mismatch or surprise, cancel the transaction and re-verify the details with the recipient through another channel.
2. Never Enter Your PIN to Receive Money
Remember this golden rule: your UPI PIN is only for sending money. You never need to enter it to receive funds, refunds, or cashback. This is one of the most common tactics used by fraudsters. They will send you a payment request or a QR code and claim you need to approve it by entering your PIN to get money credited to your account. This is always a lie. Approving a request and entering your PIN authorizes a debit from your account, not a credit. If anyone asks you to enter your PIN to receive a payment, it is a scam. Reject the request immediately and block the user.
3. Scrutinise QR Codes Before Scanning
QR codes are convenient, but they can be easily manipulated by fraudsters. A common scam involves placing a fraudulent QR code sticker over a genuine merchant's code. When you scan it, the payment is redirected to the scammer's account. Before paying, always check the merchant name that appears on your app's screen after scanning. It should match the shop you are physically in. Also, be wary of QR codes sent to you via WhatsApp or email, especially if they are accompanied by urgent demands for payment for things like pending bills or package deliveries. Scanning a QR code is for paying, not receiving money.
4. Treat 'Collect Requests' with Extreme Caution
A 'collect request' or 'payment request' is a feature that allows someone to ask you for money through UPI. Scammers frequently misuse this by sending a request and hoping you approve it in a hurry, thinking you are receiving money. Before approving any request, verify three things: the sender's name and UPI ID, the exact amount being requested, and the note or message attached. If you receive an unexpected request from an unknown person or for a reason you don't recognise, decline it immediately. Legitimate businesses rarely use unsolicited collect requests for payments.
5. Send a Small Test Amount for Large Transfers
When sending a large sum of money for the first time to a new recipient, human error is a real risk. A single typo in a UPI ID or phone number could send your money to a stranger, and UPI transactions are generally irreversible. To mitigate this risk, first send a small, token amount like ₹1 or ₹10. Call the recipient and confirm they have received it. Once they confirm the credit in their account, you can proceed with sending the full amount with confidence. This small, extra step provides a crucial layer of assurance and can prevent a costly mistake.
6. Beware of Urgency and Phishing Tactics
Fraudsters thrive on creating a sense of panic or urgency to make you act without thinking. Be suspicious of any message or call demanding immediate payment to avoid consequences like your account being blocked or a service being disconnected. Similarly, never click on suspicious links sent via SMS or email that ask you to update your KYC or claim a prize. These phishing links lead to fake websites designed to steal your UPI PIN or other banking details. Always use official apps and websites, and never let pressure tactics rush you into making a payment you haven't thoroughly verified.
